The Jewish Council of Australia affirms the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination – a right that has been systematically denied by the Israeli state.

Australia’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine is a response to the growing groundswell of public support for Palestinian rights across this country. The Australian Government must ensure that “recognition” is not merely symbolic. It needs to be combined with immediate action, including sanctions, to help end Israel’s ongoing genocide and the deliberate starvation of the people of Gaza.

For almost two years, Israel has been engaging in a campaign of relentless bombardment, forced displacement and deliberate starvation of over two million Palestinians. Israel’s leaders have been clear: they intend to either kill or expel the entire Palestinian population from Gaza. This is a genocide – a deliberate attempt to eradicate Palestinians in Gaza.

This morning, Israel admitted to deliberately assassinating prominent and beloved Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif, along with four of his colleagues. This targeted assassination came after the Committee to Protect Journalists issued an urgent statement calling for Al Sharif’s protection in the face of Israel’s targeted campaign and direct threats against him. Al Sharif was targeted due to his courageous and uncompromising coverage of Israel’s genocidal war.

If Australia is sincere in its support for Palestinian liberation, it cannot have any involvement in arming the state which is committing this genocide. This means that Australia must stop supplying components for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in its attacks on Gaza.

The Jewish Council of Australia calls again on the Australian Government to match recognition with principled action: implement an immediate arms embargo, suspend all military contracts with Israel, and hold Israel accountable for its crimes under international law.

Sarah Schwartz, executive officer, Jewish Council of Australia:

“Recognition must be combined with accountability. If Australia truly supports Palestinian self-determination, it must end all military co-operation with Israel and hold Israel accountable for its ongoing genocide and deliberate starvation of Gaza. You cannot endorse Palestinian statehood with one hand while supplying parts of the weapons that destroy it with the other.

“Palestinians, like all people, have the right to live in safety and dignity – free from occupation, siege and fear. These rights have been systematically denied by the State of Israel. Self-determination must mean more than words. It must mean freedom of movement, control over land and resources, the right to return, and full equality.”

Antony Loewenstein, journalist and advisory committee member, Jewish Council of Australia

“Israel continues its efforts of hiding the reality on the ground from the international community. And, remarkably, even as we see Israel openly targeting and murdering Palestinian journalists — a war crime according to international law — many foreign media outlets continue to reproduce IDF messaging about these unlawful killings. This must stop.

“The international community must step up to defend Palestinian reporters from Israel’s belligerence. We must ensure they are able to continue the painful and critical work of documenting this unfolding genocide.”

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