www.ipan.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18 December 2023
- Australia should be focusing on diplomatic efforts to end Israel’s invasion and occupation of Gaza
- Australia’s signing of the UN resolution on ceasefire was in direct contrast to the USA’s decision and IPAN calls for a similar stance on the request regarding a war ship
- Australia must stop sending military equipment to Israel
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) urges the Australian government to refuse the request from the United States to send a war ship to the Red Sea as Israel continues the bombing and genocide of the people in the Gaza Strip and refuses to allow adequate provision of humanitarian aid.
“Rather than involve the Australian Navy in the Middle East conflict, the Australian Government should focus on diplomatic efforts to end Israel’s brutal invasion and occupation of Gaza” said IPAN Spokesperson, Ms Kathryn Kelly, also a member of Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine (AJPP).
The acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has stated that he is considering the request and IPAN urges him not to accede to the USA’s demands that we send a war ship to the Red Sea.
“IPAN is encouraged by the recent decision by the Australian Government to vote in favour of the UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, thus taking a stance in direct contrast to the USA, and IPAN calls for a similar stance regarding the request for a war ship” stated Ms Kelly.
Australia and the international community have called on Israel to stop its attacks on the people of Gaza and for urgent humanitarian aid to be provided to all who need it, with assistance from UN Emergency Peacekeeping Forces.
“In addition, it is imperative that the USA stop providing Israel with more than $3 billion in military aid each year. And Australia must also stop sending military equipment to Israel”, said Ms Kelly.
“IPAN again urges the Australian government to call for a peace conference of all parties, under the auspices of the United Nations, with the objective of working towards finding a just and peaceful solution for the people of Palestine and Israel.”
Media Interviews: Kathryn Kelly 0417 269 984 Media Liaison: Jonathan Pilbrow 0403 611 815
Bio: Kathryn Kelly is a former federal public servant who visited Gaza and the West Bank in 2002 and 2003.
www.ipan.org.au