Amnesty International Australia is urging the Australian Government to back global calls for an independent investigation into the killings of aid seekers in Gaza, which may constitute war crimes under international law.
The Government must also publicly support the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court into genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The horrifying killing of 27 Palestinians and the injuring of at least 90 others as they tried to access aid attempting to through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — an aid scheme universally condemned by the UN and international humanitarian groups — marks a new, and inhumane low in Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Palestinians, already suffering under Israel’s total blockade and facing famine conditions, are now being killed simply for seeking to survive.
“These scenes, civilians killed while queuing for food, are not accidental. They are deliberate. They are inhumane and calculated. And they deserve accountability,”
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson
“These scenes, civilians killed while queuing for food, are not accidental. They are deliberate. They are inhumane and calculated. And they deserve accountability,” said Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson.
Since the GHF began operations, authorities in Gaza have reported the killings of over 100 civilians seeking aid, following Israel’s denial of humanitarian aid access on 1 March to nearly two million women, men and children. The amount of aid that Israel has allowed into Gaza remains woefully inadequate.
The United Nations and global aid organisations have universally condemned the GHF for undermining established aid distribution networks and violating core international humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Alarmingly, the scheme puts military personnel in charge of aid delivery, an approach fundamentally at odds with international humanitarian standards.
“We are witnessing Israel blatantly and unashamedly violate its humanitarian obligations under international law, time and time again. We are witnessing potential war crimes committed in full view of the world as Palestinians are either starved or killed attempting to secure aid,” said Mr Duar.
“It is outrageous and unfathomable that Palestinians are being forced to risk their lives for food. This is the brutal reality when aid is blocked, and starvation is weaponised in pursuit of genocide.
Mohamed Duar
“It is outrageous and unfathomable that Palestinians are being forced to risk their lives for food. This is the brutal reality when aid is blocked, and starvation is weaponised in pursuit of genocide.
The World Health Organisation has declared staggering levels of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza. Under international law, experienced humanitarian organisations should be the only ones coordinating urgent relief required by nearly two million Palestinians in Gaza, who are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity due to the weaponisation of starvation.
The criminalisation of UNRWA, as represented by the Knesset’s ban, has cut off a vital humanitarian lifeline for nearly two million people in Gaza.
“As the occupying power, Israel has obligations under international law to ensure the unhindered entry of food, water, medical supplies and aid. Its failure to do so amounts to serious breaches of international law and constitute criminal responsibility. There is no substitute for UNRWA. The international community must act immediately to restore and resume its essential services,” says Mr Duar.
“Amid international condemnation, we urge the Australian Government must do everything in its power to ensure this is independently investigated and must support the open investigation by the ICC.”
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