ANIC’s Response to ICJ Ruling

A Call for Accountability and Action

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) welcomes the International Court of Justice’s ruling and decision overnight finding, on a prima facie basis, that Israel may be acting in violation of the Genocide Convention.

It is clear that an overwhelming majority of the Court accepted the arguments and concerns raised by South Africa. These highlighted Israel’s ongoing aggressive and brutal actions against innocent civilians in Gaza, Palestine.

The Court recognised that the people in Gaza face severe challenges, including starvation and disease, beyond the intense and indiscriminate attacks by Israel. This provisional ruling affirms the struggle experienced by the Palestinians since 1948.

The provisional ruling is significant and a positive step in reflecting the growing global opposition to Israel’s brutality and aggression. The Court imposed various measures on Israel to avoid the risk of genocide and irreparable harm being caused to innocent civilians.

It is now incumbent on Australia, in recognising legal institutions and law and order, to support and seek to enforce the measures ordered against Israel. Indeed every country which is a signatory to the Genocide Convention should be making clear its expectations of Israel, including through the imposition of boycotts and sanctions.

We are deeply disappointed by the Australian Government’s refusal to support the South African case against Israel. The Australian Government must support this case.

Further, the ANIC calls upon the Australian Government to condemn Israel’s indiscriminate attacks on innocent Palestinians, cease support for any defence operations with Israel, recognise the State of Palestine, uphold its responsibilities under international law, and end the war and loss of innocent lives in Palestine.

Additionally, ANIC extends gratitude to South Africa for its courage and integrity in bringing this case against Israel to the ICJ and the international community. The Australian Government must support this case.

As a nation and global community, we stand at the crossroads and have a duty to prevent a genocide unfolding in our time.

The unlawful Israeli occupation and the killing of innocent civilians must stop.