Statement by Australian Catholics for Peace in Gaza
Catholic groups from across Australia have come together to call on the Australian Government to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Statement by Australian Catholics for Peace in Gaza
We, the undersigned, call on the Australian Government and the international community to act urgently to protect the lives and dignity of all people in Gaza.
At least 60,000 people, including over 17,000 children, have been killed in Gaza. and the situation is only getting worse.
We are deeply concerned about the escalating starvation crisis, especially among children. The lack of food, baby formula, clean water, and essential medical supplies is already costing lives.
If aid volumes fall further, this could signal a catastrophic turning point for the protection of civilians in Gaza.
To allow further starvation to take hold would forever cast a dark cloud over our collective humanity.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and with humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to deliver aid under impossible conditions.
We call for:
-
The international community to exert political and diplomatic pressure to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law
-
A lasting ceasefire and return of all hostages, those still alive and those who are dead
-
Adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws, particularly the provision of unimpeded humanitarian access through impartial aid distribution mechanisms
-
The abandonment of plans to intensify offensive actions in Gaza, which would result in further harm to civilians
-
The suspension of the trade in weapons, including components
Signatories
- Caritas Australia
- Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
- Justice and Peace Office, Archdiocese of Sydney
- Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart
- The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations
- Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia
- Loreto Sisters, Australia and South East Asia
- MET – Peace, Justice & Ecology, Diocese of Parramatta
- The Society of Jesus in Australia (Jesuits)
- Rainbow Catholics Interagency Australia
- Scalabrinian Fathers in Australia
- Justice and Peace Group of St Dominic’s Parish, Camberwell
- The Order of Saint Augustine - Province of Australasia
- Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service
- Catholic Religious Australia
- Pax Christi Australia
- Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre
- Brigidine Sisters
- The Global Centre for Social Justice and Advocacy Leadership
- Jesuit Social Services
- Benedictine Nuns of Jamberoo
- Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform
- Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga