Statement by the
Stop Israel's attacks on Gaza! Palestine must be free!
The Sydney Stop the War Coalition condemns the Israeli armed forces' bombardment of the Gaza Strip in which more than 300 people, including women and children, have been massacred.
More than 700 people have been seriously wounded.
The peace coalition also condemns the Israeli government's two-year economic blockade of Gaza following the popular election of the Hamas government. The siege has meant malnutrition, chronic unemployment and economic devastation for the people of Gaza who have a right to elect their own government, and to expect their democratic choice to be respected.
Ominously, the Israeli armed forces are now being mobilised on a massive scale on Gaza's border: the killings will continue unless the world stands up and says no to Israel.
The Stop the War Coalition condemns the Australian government for its unstinting support for Israel — despite clear evidence that it is the aggressor and bully in this longstanding conflict.
The acting PM, Julia Guillard, does not speak for the majority of Australians. The Rudd Labor government, elected by a majority who were fed up with the wars of occupation in the Middle East, has yet to prove it is serious about supporting peace.
The Rudd government should act for peace and justice, condemn Israel's criminal slaughter in Gaza and break economic, diplomatic, military and cultural ties with the Israeli apartheid state.
The Stop the War Coalition calls on the Australian government to use its influence with the United States government to demand an end to Israel's siege of Gaza, and an end to the occupation of the Palestinians' historic lands.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and urge all Australians to join the "Freedom for Gaza" rallies that are being organised around the country (see details below).
Contact: Pip Hinman 0412 139 968 or Anne Picot 0404 090 710
National protests in support of the people of Gaza have already occurred in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Adelaide and Perth. Details of further protests:
Brisbane - Sat Jan 3, 2pm, Queens Park
Melbourne - Sun Jan 4, 2pm, State Library