The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) marks two years – over 730 days – of relentless genocide
and war waged against the people of Gaza. In this time, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed,
the overwhelming majority women and children. Entire neighbourhoods lie in ruins, hospitals and schools
have been deliberately destroyed, and a man-made famine by the Israeli occupation continues to starve
children and innocent people to death.
This is not only a war. It is systematic genocide – carried out in full view of the international community, in
flagrant violation of international law and the most basic principles of humanity. The suffering of the
Palestinian people did not begin on 7 October 2023. It has continued for more than 77 years since the
Nakba (Catastrophe) of 1948, through dispossession, occupation, and apartheid.
ANIC demands that the Australian Government:
• Condemn and sanction Israel and call for an immediate end to the genocide and the killing of
innocent civilians.
• Demand an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and the dismantling of apartheid policies.
• Ensure full and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and all occupied territories.
• Condemn Israel’s unlawful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the detention of
Australian citizens participating on humanitarian grounds, and demand safe humanitarian passage
for all aid missions to Gaza.
• Join the international community in upholding justice, enforcing international law, and holding Israel
accountable for its war crimes.
ANIC and its member Imams have, and will always, stand firmly and advocate strongly for Palestine and its
people. ANIC calls upon all Muslims and people of conscience to stand, speak, and act. Silence in the face of
oppression is complicity.
ANIC is grateful to all who have stood with the Palestinian people – who have spoken out, protested, and
advocated for justice and Palestine.
The genocide must end.
The occupation must end.
Justice must prevail.
