The Sydney Statement on Anti-Palestinianism was developed by the Arab Australian Federation in consultation with leading community figures and renowned advocates for Palestine from diverse backgrounds.

We support this statement, with the Australian Arab Federation, “in response to the incessant violations by Israel of the Palestinian people’s human, political, economic and national rights under international law, including their right to self-determination and nationhood.”

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.

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…”

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.

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.