United We Stand: Joint Statement by Australian Muslims

We, the Imams, Sheikhs, Mosques, and Muslim community organisations of Australia write this joint statement to: raise our deep concern about the grave situation in Palestine; strongly reject and address the one-sided portrayal of the Palestinian issue in Australia; and condemn all calls and incitement to violence and hatred of any people.

Israeli troops are amassing at the border to enter Gaza and engage in further killing of people, including civilians. A total blockade has also been announced. As a consequence, at least 2.2 million Palestinian people will not have access to water, electricity, food or fuel. The civilian casualties and suffering of the Palestinian people will dramatically worsen. We call to peace and an end to occupation.

There is never a justification for any loss of innocent civilian lives. This must be a universal constant and hold true for every life, including the lives of Palestinians who continue to suffer and experience the worsening humanitarian crisis they are about to endure.

We call upon all political leaders and media representatives to apply consistent principles to the loss of all civilian lives, regardless of nationality or religion.