The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) has welcomed recent developments in Belgium, where Israeli soldiers were questioned under universal jurisdiction for alleged war crimes in Gaza, and similar legal actions reported in Canada, Brazil, Serbia, Thailand, and the Netherlands.

Several British dual nationals have also been referred to the UK’s war crimes unit over participation in Israeli military operations in Gaza.

These efforts by foreign governments to uphold international law reflect a growing global push to hold individuals accountable under the Geneva Conventions and other treaties.

It is both reasonable and necessary for Australia to follow suit.

The Australian Border Force has previously questioned Australians suspected of attempting to join the IDF, and that the Criminal Code empowers the AFP to investigate war crimes committed overseas.

AFIC has urged the Australian Government to:

• Direct the AFP and relevant authorities to open investigations into any Australians serving in the IDF, reservist units, or materially supporting actions in Gaza that may constitute war crimes.
• Apply the principle of universal jurisdiction consistently and without political hesitation, ensuring no individual is placed above the law.
• Ensure transparency with the public by communicating that Australian accountability is not optional, it is a legal and moral obligation under international law.

“If other countries can act, so must Australia. No nation should view itself as exempt from basic international justice, especially when allegations involve participation in a genocide that has killed tens of thousands,” said Dr Rateb  Jneid, President of AFIC.

He further added, “We call on the Australian Government to prove that justice in Australia is not just for others, it is for our own citizens too.”

In addition, AFIC has called on the Government to publicly support ongoing ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant and fully cooperate with international investigations into Gaza war crimes.

Australia’s standing in the global community depends on our willingness to enforce accountability at home and abroad.

Republished from AMUST, 25 July 2025

The views expressed in this article may or may not reflect those of Pearls and Irritations.