2/02/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) condemns the
Australian Government’s decision to refuse to join an international
statement criticising Israel. A decision announced on the very same day
that Israeli forces killed at least 31 Palestinians across Gaza,
including during attacks in Rafah.
Once again, the Australian
Government has abandoned any pretence of a principles based foreign
policy. Once again, it has demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice
international law, human rights, and basic morality in order to appease
Israel, this time in the lead up to the planned visit of the Israeli
President, despite growing domestic and international opposition to such
a move.
“The message could not be clearer,” said Dr Rateb Jneid,
President of AFIC. “While Palestinians are being killed, Australia
chooses silence. While war crimes continue, Australia chooses diplomacy
over decency.”
The government’s refusal to join even a modest
statement of criticism sends a devastating signal: that Palestinian
lives are expendable, that their suffering is politically inconvenient,
and that Australia’s commitment to international law is conditional, 
applied selectively depending on who the perpetrator is.
For more
than two years, the world has watched a genocide unfold in real time.
Tens of thousands killed. Entire cities destroyed. Starvation used as a
weapon. Humanitarian organisations banned. And still, Australia refuses
to act with clarity or courage.
“This government has found its voice
when condemning others. But when it comes to Israel, it repeatedly looks
away,” Dr Jneid said. “History will not judge kindly those who remained
silent while atrocities were committed.”
The Palestinian people, and
the many Australians who have spoken out against genocide and war
crimes, are being shown exactly where this government stands. It is not
on the side of law. It is not on the side of morality. And it is not on
the right side of history.
AFIC rejects the notion that Australia’s
foreign policy should be dictated by appeasement, political calculation,
or fear of offending powerful allies. A nation that claims to uphold a
rules based international order cannot exempt its friends from those
rules.
We call on the Australian Government to immediately reverse
course, publicly condemn Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza, support
accountability through international legal mechanisms, and demonstrate
that Australia’s commitment to human rights applies to all not just
some.
 ________________________________________
AFIC,
established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in
Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It
has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and
actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim
community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President