I. The Unfolding Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
The situation in the Gaza Strip has escalated into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. International organizations report widespread famine, mass displacement, a collapsed healthcare system, and a devastating loss of civilian life, creating conditions many experts warn are unlivable and potentially genocidal.
Approx. 70% women & children. Source: UNRWA, OCHA, UN Experts.
Many displaced multiple times. Source: UNRWA.
22% of the population actively facing starvation. Source: UNRWA.
Gaza's Population Facing Food Insecurity (IPC Phases)
The entire population of Gaza faces critical food insecurity. This chart illustrates the severe proportion facing Catastrophe/Famine (IPC Phase 5), where starvation is a daily reality for nearly half a million people. The denial of life-saving essentials is described by Amnesty International as a "genocidal act."
Key Indicators of Crisis (Mid-May 2025)
- 119,846+ Palestinians Injured.
- 71% of Gaza Strip within Israeli-militarized zone or displacement orders.
- 41% of essential medical supplies out of stock.
- 430+ UN/Aid Workers Killed, including 305 UN staff.
These figures underscore the systematic dismantling of conditions necessary for life in Gaza, with UN experts citing "alarming, documented patterns of genocidal conduct."
II. Aid Obstruction & The Human Cost
Humanitarian aid is a critical lifeline for Gaza's population, yet its delivery is systematically obstructed. This obstruction exacerbates the suffering and raises concerns that it is a managed situation, potentially exploited for broader objectives. The human cost, particularly for children, is immense and inflicts deep, lasting trauma.
Obstruction of Aid Movements
Despite urgent needs, a significant portion of planned aid movements are denied or impeded by Israeli authorities. In one week of May 2025, 58% of coordinated aid movements were denied. UNRWA international staff are banned from Gaza. This systematic obstruction means aid remains "utterly inadequate."
Requirements for "Optimal Support" (UN Relief Chief)
- Opening of at least two crossings (north and south).
- Simplified, expedited customs/security without quotas.
- Lifting of all access impediments within Gaza.
- Cessation of attacks during aid deliveries.
- Permission for full range of necessary aid (food, water, medicine, fuel).
Instead, Israel backed the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), widely criticized by UN/ICRC as politicizing aid and a "cynical sideshow."
"You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag. Every day is like this here." - Gaza Resident (Amnesty International)
"We don’t ask if food is nutritious or not... we just want to fill the stomachs of our children. I don’t want my child to die hungry." - Gaza Parent (Amnesty International)
Nearly 71,000 children under five are expected to suffer acute malnutrition (May '25 - Apr '26). The crisis erodes normal life, dignity, and any prospect of a future.
III. Australia's Role: Questioning Complicity
Australia has expressed concern and provided aid, but its stance is scrutinized against evidence of potential complicity, particularly regarding military-related exports. There's a growing call for Australia to move from words to more meaningful, principled action.
Includes $20M for UNRWA. Source: DFAT.
Only 16 "amended or lapsed" by Nov. Source: Dept. of Defence, ACIJ.
The Shadow of Military Exports
Despite government denials of direct weapon exports since Oct 7, 2023, evidence suggests Australian military components reach Israel, potentially via third countries or global supply chains. This includes:
- Remote Weapon Systems: Tested by Israeli military in early 2025 (ACIJ).
- F-35 Fighter Jet Components: Australian parts in F-35s used in Gaza (ACIJ, Declassified Aus.).
- Steel Plates & Other Equipment: For armour, communications, radar, vehicle parts (Declassified Aus.).
ACIJ and Declassified Australia accuse the government and companies of complicity, potentially violating the Arms Trade Treaty. The slow review of export permits is deemed unacceptable "in the shadow of a genocide."
Australia's response also appears misaligned with stronger positions of allies like UK, France, and Canada, who pledged "concrete actions, including targeted sanctions" over settlement expansion. Australia opted for a broader, less committal statement.
IV. The Case for Boycott: Upholding International Law
The call for a boycott of Israel, starting with military exports, is grounded in the gravity of the Gaza situation and serious allegations by international bodies of genocide, war crimes, and apartheid. Boycotts are a non-violent means to pressure states to comply with international law.
Allegations by International Bodies:
- Amnesty International: Accusations of "genocidal intent," "genocide in action," starvation as a weapon of war, and apartheid.
- Human Rights Watch: Warnings that Israeli plans "inch closer to extermination," acts could amount to crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. Calls to end weapon sales.
- UN Experts: Warnings of an "unfolding genocide," "annihilation of the Palestinian population," and "alarming, documented patterns of genocidal conduct."
- International Court of Justice (ICJ): Hearing South Africa's genocide case against Israel; issued provisional measures Israel has largely flouted.
Specific Demands for Australian Action:
The petition calls for targeted actions leveraging Australia's existing legal frameworks (e.g., Autonomous Sanctions Act, Defence Trade Controls Act).
1. End Military Complicity
Immediate two-way arms embargo on Israel (all military equipment, parts, dual-use items). Full transparency on export permits.
2. Broader Economic Scrutiny
Review bilateral trade/investment. Suspend ties that support or profit from illegal occupation or human rights violations.
V. Australian Conscience: Public Opinion & The Call for Change
There is significant public desire for a fairer Australian policy. Polling indicates unease with the status quo and support for Palestinian rights and humanitarian action. Petitions are a legitimate way for citizens to demand their government reflect these values.
Australian Public Sentiment (Nov 2023 Roy Morgan Poll)
A significant portion of Australians desire a more even-handed approach from the government concerning the Israel-Gaza crisis. The data suggests a call for policy grounded in neutrality and international law.
Our Petition: Demands for an Ethical Australian Foreign Policy
- Deliver Optimal Humanitarian Support for Gaza: Significantly increase aid, ensure unhindered access, robustly support UNRWA, protect civilians & aid workers.
- Implement a Comprehensive Boycott of Israel, Commencing with All Military Trade: Full arms embargo, review and suspend economic ties sustaining illegality.
- Uphold International Law & Ensure Accountability: Publicly condemn violations, apply sanctions to responsible Israeli officials, actively support ICJ/ICC investigations.
Your voice matters. Demand principled action from the Australian Government.
SUPPORT THE CALL