Aid and activist organisations, including Amnesty International (AI), Oxfam Australia, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network (APAN) and Trade Unionists for Palestine, supported the global call to end arms deals with Israel on May 2.
The day of action was observed by 14 countries, starting in New Zealand, followed by Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
More than 250 organisations joined the call, saying Labor must 鈥渃ommit to not allowing any weapons or parts manufactured in this country to be exported to Israel鈥.
It also urged governments not to be complicit in violations of international law by 鈥渇ulfilling their legal obligations and secure a permanent ceasefire now鈥.
Save the Children, Plan International Australia, ActionAid, Muslim Aid Australia and the Australian Council for International Development also joined in.
Kate Lee, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA鈥檚 Co-executive Officer, said it had raised more than $850,000 since last October for food and other supplies for the people of Gaza.
鈥淚srael has used starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. Aid workers have been targeted, with more than 242 killed so far.
鈥淯nions have always taken a strong stand for peace and the protection of civilians in any conflict.
鈥淎ustralia has a responsibility under international law to halt the supply of any weapons, including parts and ammunition, where there are likely to be violations of international law,鈥 Lee said.
She said that is why the聽聽has called on the federal government 鈥渢o take immediate steps to end military trade with Israel鈥 including halting the transfer of components for Israel鈥檚 F-35 jets.
鈥淭his horrific war must end,鈥 Lee said.
Mohamed Duar, representing AI, said 鈥淚srael is clearly guilty of widespread war crimes in Gaza鈥. AI wants an 鈥渋mmediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza鈥.
[For more information email聽media@amnesty.org.au.]