Submission to the Australian Government on trade with Israel

Submission to the Australian Government on trade with Israel

In April this year, AFOPA responded to an invitation by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs to comment as part of the Government’s feasibility study on strengthening trade and investment with Israel.

The submission concludes that, from an Australian perspective, there is no apparent imperative for Australia to develop closer trading and investment links with Israel; the attraction to do so is limited, risks are involved, and public resources in Australia would more productively be spent in assessing the feasibility of trade and investment opportunities with other countries. Analysis of the available trade data and socio-political issues brings into question whether Australia’s active pursuit of closer business links with Israel is in the national interest.

News release - Human rights atrocities

News release - Human rights atrocities

This week:

  • 12 Palestinians, including a 3-year-old boy, attacked and injured on their farms by Israelis from illegal settlements in the South Hebron area of the West Bank…

  • UK Labour Party conference at Brighton passes motion condemning Israeli apartheid and calling for sanctions

  • Covid-19 spike in Gaza exacerbated by Israeli authorities disrupting vaccine supplies

  • Continued violations of al Aqsa mosque precinct.

"AFOPA calls on political parties in this country to take a stand …And on the Australian media to report on the shameful acts perpetrated every day against Palestinians…”

What AFOPA's members and friends said

What AFOPA's members and friends said

AFOPA exists to support the aspirations of Palestinians for justice, equality and human rights. As an organisation, we can’t play an impactful role in achieving a just and equitable peace for Palestinians without you – our members, supporters and like-minded organisations.


Your feedback is therefore critical to how we do this together and to inform our priorities and activities as well as how we engage with you.

We surveyed our members and supporters earlier this year. Overall, the survey responses indicate that you are appreciative of AFOPA’s work and that the organisation’s priorities and directions align well with your interests and expectations. Comments such as, “It’s a very hard task but I’m happy that you do what you do”, “I’m impressed with the work that is done”, and “Keep up the good work!” are consistent across the areas surveyed.

News release: Israeli "goodwill gestures"

News release: Israeli "goodwill gestures"

The Australian Friends of Palestine Association notes with interest recent reports that the Israeli government has extended the Palestinian fishing zone off the coast of Gaza, and allowed increased transportation of water, goods and building materials into Gaza. The Associated Press and the Times of Israel have quoted a statement from an Israeli military liaison officer saying these moves are “goodwill gestures”. These “gestures” were reported in the same week that the more commonplace gesture of Israeli Defence Force members shooting Palestinians was reported.

Update from APAN

Update from APAN

In the latest update from APAN…

“Last week, when the leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese stated that using the word apartheid with Israel was offensive – together we swung into action.

APAN contacted Albanese’s office directly, and you and nearly 1,000 other Palestinian supporters emailed Albanese and your Labor federal representatives.

To his credit, Anthony Albanese immediately agreed to sit down to talk. Bishop George Browning, APAN President, met with Albanese and raised our concerns. Albanese confirmed his support for Palestinian human rights and his commitment to Palestinian Recognition. And he has agreed to participate in a Zoom event to talk with Australian Palestinians."