Oct 8, 2024
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) is profoundly disappointed that the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and other elected representatives failed to acknowledge Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian community on the anniversary of October 7.
This neglect highlights an ongoing practice of prioritising Israeli lives over Palestinian lives, futures, and justice.
It also perpetuates the decontextualisation of October 7 and its isolation from the broader reality of 76 years of Israeli settler-colonial subjugation, illegal occupation, and apartheid in Palestine.
These omissions have added to broader attempts by elected representatives, police, and other organisations to silence and demonise those who advocate for Palestinian lives and rights on a date that marked the onset of Israel’s latest brutal campaign against the Palestinian people.
During the past painful week, community members speaking out for Palestine have faced unjust scrutiny and political attacks from the government, federal Opposition and mainstream media.
These attacks perpetuate a toxic narrative that erases community grief and outrage over Israel’s atrocity crimes and the impunity it is offered by western governments, while dangerously delegitimising calls for Australian action to end the genocide and hold Israel accountable.
After a year of violence, it is clear that the failure to curb Israel’s genocidal project and achieve justice for Palestine persists due to this impunity, and western governments’ – including Australia’s – sidelining of Palestinian lives, voices, and legitimate political demands, and their selective application of international law.
APAN demands that the Prime Minister and all political leaders confront their double standards and officially acknowledge the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle, the deep despair and grief that exists in the Palestinian community, the scourge of anti-Palestinian racism that rages across this continent, and the urgency of Australian action to end Israel’s settler-colonial violence across Palestine.
Comments attributed to APAN President Nasser Mashni:
“Elected officials cannot preach inclusivity while their policies and statements consistently seek to diminish, invisibilise and marginalise Palestinian lives and experiences. This hypocrisy must end.
“It is not divisive, provocative or inappropriate for community members to demand that the Australian Government act according to its international legal obligations to help put an end to the killing and terrorism of the genocidal rogue state of Israel.
“Community members who are advocating for Palestinian liberation are on the right side of history, where morality and law converge. They deserve solidarity, not hostility, scrutiny and the backlash of a politicised narrative from politicians and the media.
“After a year of Israeli violence and impunity, the continued neglect of Palestinian lives by Australian leaders demonstrates a shocking disregard for human rights and justice.
“We call on all political leaders to confront their double standards and recognise the urgency of standing with the Palestinian community in their struggle for liberation.”
