"Australia must join international condemnations of Israeli attacks on Muslim worshippers during Ramadan," said Nasser Mashni, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
"This year Palestinians have endured countless military raids, pogroms by settlers, incitement to violence by Government Ministers, and now attacks on people worshipping at a Mosque. The Police Minister yesterday said "it's time to rip heads off in Gaza". When will the Australian Government acknowledge that Israel has no intention of negotiating peace with Palestinians?, he continued.
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound is located in Occupied East Jerusalem, which Israel took by military force in 1967, along with the rest of the West Bank. Countless UN resolutions have called on Israel to withdraw from the lands that they illegally occupy. The Al Aqsa Mosque compound is administered by Jordan to protect the holy site. Israel forces even entering the site is in flagrant violation of this agreement.
For two days the Israeli military has stormed Al Aqsa, attacking Palestinians worshipping there and unleashing tear gas and stun grenades, over 400 worshipers have been detained, many with injuries, denied due process or medical care.
"Israeli soldiers forcing themselves into this holy site and unleashing brutal attacks on worshippers is not only horrific to watch, but we know is attacking the very foundation of Palestinian rights to live in peace and dignity. It is a cynical play into domestic politics by Netanyahu and his far-right allies after their humiliating retreat from their proposed supreme court "reforms" " said Mr Mashni.
About us:
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network is Australia's peak body of organisations and individuals who want to see justice and freedom for Palestinians.
