URGENT UPDATE: A United Nations expert has called on Australia to immediately sever its defense agreements with Israel or risk complicity in genocide against Palestinians. In a powerful statement made earlier today, human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti emphasized that Australia’s international credibility is at stake following its recent recognition of the state of Palestine.
Speaking before a National Press Club address, Sidoti warned, “We should be ending all defense cooperation, including closing the Australian government’s Defense and Trade office in Jerusalem.” He stressed that decisive action is necessary to prevent further atrocities in Gaza.
Sidoti serves as one of three commissioners appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, which released a landmark report earlier this month declaring that Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute genocide. “The responsibility is simply to take whatever action is necessary to prevent the genocide in Gaza from occurring,” he stated.
In his remarks, Sidoti urged the Australian government to impose comprehensive sanctions against Israel and ensure that no Australian-made components contribute to Israeli military operations. This comes amidst ongoing violence in Gaza, where over 65,000 people have reportedly died, including more than 20,000 children, according to local health authorities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced mounting pressure as he recently sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich during his UN visit while promoting Australia’s bid for a UN Security Council seat in 2029.
“Our nation needs to act as a leader now,” Sidoti declared, emphasizing the need for Australia to uphold international law and restore its credibility. “It is critical to our own self-respect,” he added.
Australia has been a contributor to the global supply chain for the F-35 fighter jet program, which Israel has used in its military operations against Gaza. Sidoti warned that if Australian components are utilized in these jets, Australia would be complicit in the “international criminal activities of the Israeli military.”
Despite repeated inquiries, Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles have downplayed concerns about the supply chain, attributing management to Lockheed Martin, the US weapons manufacturer. However, Sidoti criticized this stance, stating, “It’s not a matter of economic interests. It’s a matter of international legal obligations.”
As the humanitarian crisis escalates in Gaza, with millions displaced and ongoing military actions, the international community watches closely. Sidoti’s comments echo a growing sentiment that Australia must take a firmer stand against violence in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the UN report as “baseless,” and along with US President Donald Trump, proposed a 20-point peace plan aimed at halting the conflict. This plan includes an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages from both sides. Albanese has shown support for this initiative, yet the urgency for decisive Australian action remains.
As developments unfold, the call for Australia to reevaluate its defense ties with Israel is becoming increasingly urgent. The impact on global human rights and Australia’s role in international law is at a critical juncture.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Australia faces intense scrutiny over its foreign policy and human rights obligations.
