Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. As the world watches horror, Amnesty International has been documenting human rights violations. Amnesty’s researchers and Digital Evidence Lab have been verifying evidence of violations of international humanitarian law, like repeated attacks by Israeli Forces that amount to war crimes and have pulverised street after street, killing tens of thousands of civilians.
And alongside members of the Palestinian and Jewish communities, we’re campaigning for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians. At this moment, as we witness an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the actions and advocacy of everyone are critical. It’s because of everyday people standing up for human rights, the Australian government has taken few important steps, from calling for ceasefire at the UN to announcing aid. There’s so more to do, but together, we can do it.
What needs to be done?
Amnesty International is also calling on all parties to abide by international law, and make every effort to avoid civilian bloodshed. Neither justice nor security can be achieved by a civilian bloodbath in Gaza. Amnesty International is urging the Australia Government:
- Uphold international law
- Publicly and unequivocally call on Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).
- Push for Israel’s compliance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders, including measures to prevent genocide and occupation.
- Support accountability mechanisms
- Back all international investigations into violations of IHL and IHRL in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Call on the UN Security Council to impose multilateral targeted sanctions on Israeli officials responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Suspend arms transfers
- Suspend all direct or indirect arms transfers to Israel, including components, technologies, and dual-use items.
- End all military cooperation and assistance until there is verifiable compliance with international law.
- Ensure aid and protection
- Demand immediate, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Support medical evacuations for the wounded and ensure safe access for humanitarian workers.
- Ban settlement trade
- Impose comprehensive ban on all trade and economic activity in illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
- Champion a just and lasting peace
- Advocate for a political solution that ends the occupation and respects Palestinian self-determination.
What can you do?
1. Get Informed and Share Knowledge
UNDERSTAND THE GENOCIDE
Thanks to the relentless pressure of people like you – marching in the streets, signing petitions, emailing and calling politicians – the Australian Government in late 2023 voted in support of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Since then, the government has reiterated its support for a sustained ceasefire and has consistently called for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.
In a significant move, the government also reinstated funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) – the lifeline for millions of Palestinians – after an initial suspension in February 2024. These shifts would not have happened without the people-powered movement demanding justice for Palestine.
Since winning a second term in May 2025, the Labor government has taken further steps:
- Imposing targeted sanctions on Israeli officials for the first time,
- Signing joint international statements condemning Israeli atrocities, and
- Increasing aid to help alleviate suffering in Gaza.
These are important steps – but they are not enough.
The Australian Government continues to fall short on key issues of justice and accountability:
- It has not acknowledged the situation in Gaza as genocide, despite overwhelming evidence and a clear ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in February 2024 that the risk of genocide is “real and imminent.”
- It has not addressed the root causes of violence – including Israel’s system of apartheid and its brutal, decades-long military occupation of the Palestinian Territory.
- It has not stopped the transfer of arms or arms parts – directly or indirectly – to Israel. Australia’s opaque arms export system and the lack of transparency is deeply alarming and must change.
Amnesty International has concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This includes: killing civilians in large numbers, causing serious physical and mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of the population.
Israel has weaponised food, water and aid. Since March 2025, humanitarian relief has been systematically blocked, and Gaza has been plunged into famine-like conditions. The Israeli government has introduced militarised food distribution systems, forcing Palestinians to choose between starvation and the risk of being shot while collecting food.
Meanwhile, Israeli leaders – including Prime Minister Netanyahu – have used racist and dehumanising language, further demonstrating intent to destroy Gaza’s population. Amnesty’s landmark report in December 2024 concluded that these acts amount to genocide.
Under international law, all governments — including Australia — have a duty to prevent genocide. That means:
- Ending any transfers of arms or arms parts that could be used to commit or facilitate atrocities
- Taking all possible actions to stop the killing and protect civilian lives
- Calling out Israel’s apartheid and occupation for what they are: crimes under international law
Australia must no longer enable impunity. Business as usual is not an option.
Around the world, we are seeing governments – including those that once unconditionally supported Israel – begin to reconsider. The tide is turning. We must seize this moment to demand more than statements of concern. We must demand bold, concrete action from our government.
More than 2 million Palestinians have endured 20 months of relentless bombardment, forced displacement, starvation, and dehumanisation. This is a man-made catastrophe and it can be stopped.
Your voice has already made a difference – but we need you now more than ever.
STAY INFORMED
- Read our Combat Misinformation Resource to understand the current situation. This resource includes a section on debunking myths and practical ways to apply this knowledge in your online and offline activities.
- Follow our social media for real-time updates: Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook.
AMPLIFY VOICES
Amplifying lived experience voices can be a transformative way to create empathy and understanding. Share the stories of Palestinians and those affected by the crisis in Gaza on your social media platforms. Amnesty International has gathered first-hand testimonies from individuals enduring the crisis. Please, share these people’s stories on your social media so that your friends and family know what is happening in Gaza right now.
Follow the voices of Sara Saleh, Randa Abdel Fattah, Fahad Ali, and many more Palestinians you can find here who are sharing their experiences and raising awareness. Ensure that you continue to engage with these voices beyond a single post. Share updates on their experiences, highlight their progress and regularly check in to show your support.
EDUCATING YOURSELF ON THE CRISIS IN GAZA
To be effective advocates, it’s crucial to educate ourselves about the Gaza genocide and its root causes. Amnesty International can be a source of information, but we also want to provide you with additional resources from other organisations. While we share these external resources, please note that Amnesty International may not endorse everything shared on these platforms. These organisations include:
- APAN (Australia Palestine Advocacy Network): APAN is a leading Australian organization dedicated to advocating for justice and human rights in Palestine. Visit their website for reports, webinars, and updates on the Gaza crisis.
- Eyes on Palestine: This platform provides a unique perspective on the Palestinian situation through art, culture, and multimedia projects. It offers a different way to understand the impact of the crisis.
- Stand With Palestine (Australia): This Australia-specific website offers a range of resources, including information on where to donate, how to contact your MPs, events across Australia, and legal aid support for the Gaza crisis.
- Palestinians Sharing Their Stories: Listening to the voices of Palestinians living through the crisis is an essential aspect of understanding the situation. Explore personal testimonies and experiences shared by Palestinians here.
- Loud Jew Collective: This organisation includes Jewish voices against oppression and for justice in Palestine. Their resources offer insights into the perspectives of Jews supporting the Palestinian cause.
- Jews Against Fascism: This group advocates for human rights and justice, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their materials provide an alternative viewpoint within the Jewish community.
- Jews Against the Occupation: This organisation advocates for a just and equitable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their resources provide alternative viewpoints within the Jewish community.
- The Jewish Council of Australia: The Jewish Council of Australia provides an independent, expert Jewish voice opposing antisemitism & racism and supporting Palestinian freedom & justice
HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, COLLEAGUES AND FELLOW ACTIVISTS
As an ally, one of the most powerful things you can do is have conversations with friends, family and your neighbours. By speaking out, you can allow others to learn, reflect and act. You’re also standing up for what you believe in – empathy, compassion and fairness. It’s virtual that we build up mass support around our campaigns, and face-to-face conversations are still one of the most effective ways of doing this. Check out our resource on how to have structured conversations on campaigns.
2. Take Direct Action
As the people of Gaza endure relentless bombardment, starvation, and mass displacement, it’s critical we keep up the pressure on the Australian Government to act.
Australia must do everything in its power to help end this crisis – and that starts with urgent steps like stopping arms transfers to Israel, ensuring life-saving aid reaches those in need, and demanding accountability for human rights violations. Visit our ACTION NOW page for all our actions.
BECOME A OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES REPRESENTATIVES WITH AMNESTY – Make an impact and join the movement in your region!
As the crisis escalates, with a rising death toll and deepening human rights abuses, the call for committed advocates has never been more urgent. Amnesty International Australia invites you to take a stand against injustice and be part of a powerful movement to uphold the rights and dignity of those affected. This is your chance to make a real difference as a Occupied Palestinian Territories Representative. As an integral part of our campaign, we’re on the lookout for dedicated activists across Australia to step up as Representatives. Your mission? To be the driving force behind organising and mobilising efforts in your region.
Express your interest and join the movement here. Be part of the change! Note: Your dedication is what shapes our impact. Tell us what you want to work on, and let’s make a difference together.
Our reps have already achieved incredible milestones, from coordinating national protests that brought together thousands to hosting local educational events that highlight the crisis to joining our movement online. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Create local events to raise awareness and make impact
- Mobilise communities to attend webinars, protests and events
- Collaborate with stakeholders and Palestinians on the ground
- Provide organising suggestions tailored to your region’s needs
- Coordinate and lead actions in your region
Please email inari.saltau@amnesty.org.au if you have any questions or need information.
STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY THE CRISIS
Showing up and standing in solidarity with those directly affected by the crisis is a powerful way to lend your support. Your presence at rallies and vigils organised by Palestinians and the Jewish community members sends a clear message of unity and compassion and a show of power. Together, we can amplify the call for peace and an end to civilian suffering in Gaza.
Protests are an important way in which people can speak the truth to those in power and also show solidarity for those who can’t speak their truth to power. We need your support now more than ever to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and to call for a ceasefire by all parties to end civilian suffering in Gaza!
You can find all the upcoming events, rallies and solidarity vigils by typing your postcode in the map below. This gets updated weekly but if you have an event coming up or we are missing something email activism@amnesty.org.au to get it added to the map.
You can find all the upcoming events, rallies and solidarity vigils by typing your postcode in the map below or on the Events List on the APAN Website. We try to update this weekly but if you have an event coming up or we are missing something email activism@amnesty.org.au to get it added to the map.
STAYING SAFE AT PROTEST
Some protests will be much safer than others, for example, those which are overtly family-friendly. If you’re not sure what to expect, contact the organisers to get more information.
If there is a possibility that the situation could become dangerous, there are ways you can be prepared to make sure you stay safe.
- Know your rights: You have a right to peacefully assemble, a right to privacy and a right to protest. If you get injured, you have the right to receive medical care. Police must avoid the use of force.
- Plan ahead: Find out where the protest is taking place and look for information about what to expect. Make a plan with your friends in case your group gets separated.
- Wear protective clothing: You may need clothing that covers all your skin to protect you from exposure to sun and pepper spray. Bring shatter-resistant eye protection like sunglasses or swim goggles and a bandana soaked in water, lemon juice or vinegar that you can wear over your nose and mouth.
- Pack emergency supplies: Bring a basic first-aid kit, water that you can use to clean your eyes and face, identification, enough cash for a pay-phone call and transport and a fresh set of clothes.
MEET YOUR MP
A face-to-face meeting with your MP is a powerful way to get your voice heard and represented. You can request a meeting with your MP on your own, with a small group of like-minded people in your local community, or as part of an Amnesty Action Group, if there is one in your area.
There are 120 Amnesty action groups covering the majority of electorates around the country. For Amnesty action groups, having an ongoing relationship with your local MP is critical.
As an Amnesty action group, you have the power of representing all the Amnesty supporters in your community which may make your MP more willing to meet with you. If you would like to know how many Amnesty supporters are in your electorate please contact activism@amnesty.org.au.
Send a request to your MP by email first. You can follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back within a week. Here is a guide on how to request a meeting and engage with the MP.
CALL YOUR MP
Phoning your MP‘s office is a powerful way to show public support. Just a few calls can put an issue on their radar. You’ll likely speak to a staff member or leave a voicemail – and that’s enough. It’s quick, easy, and helps build pressure for a ceasefire. If you can, coordinate with others to call too – they’ll take notice.
Here are some key talking points to include:
- Immediate Ceasefire:
- I am calling to support Amnesty International’s demand for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza.
- Civilians are facing mass suffering and death, and every day without a ceasefire increases the humanitarian catastrophe.
- Ensure Humanitarian Aid and Protection
- I urge [MP’s Name] to demand the immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- People are starving, hospitals have collapsed, and civilians urgently need food, water, and medical care.
- End Arms Transfers to Israel
- I am deeply concerned that Australia continues to approve defence export permits to Israel while war crimes are being committed.
- Australia must suspend all arms transfers and military cooperation until there is full compliance with international law.
- No weapons or components made here should contribute to civilian deaths.
- Support International Accountability
- I call on [MP’s Name] to support all international investigations into human rights abuses in Gaza, including the ICC’s investigation.
- Australia must back efforts at the UN to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for war crimes.
- Uphold International Law
- I’m asking [MP’s Name] to publicly call for Israel to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law.
- Australia must push for Israel to follow the International Court of Justice orders to prevent genocide and protect civilians.
- Ban Settlement Trade
- Australia must ban all trade and economic activity with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
- No Australian businesses should profit from land theft and apartheid.
- Champion a Just and Lasting Peace
- I urge [MP’s Name] to support long-term solutions – including ending Israel’s occupation and apartheid system.
- Peace can only come from justice and respect for Palestinian self-determination.
- Practice what you want to say before calling.
- Identify yourself as a local constituent (and a supporter of Amnesty International Australia if you wish).
- Ask to leave a message for your local MP if you reach a staff member.
- Explain why you are calling and outline your key concerns in a concise way.
- Calling works if you don’t do it too often. If you haven’t heard anything from them for a week or two, follow up with another call to ask for an update.
ENGAGE WITH YOUR MPs ON THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA
Visit your MP’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts and engage with the MP by adding comments on their social posts. Staffers monitor these comments and report to the MPs. Avoid making angry posts and engage in a constructive manner.
