As we enter the fourth month of the war in Gaza and in light of the more than 25,000 Palestinians killed, thousands of whom are children, the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education renews its call for an urgent, permanent ceasefire agreement that will put a stop to these atrocities. 

This conflict has been driven by extremists on both sides, but we are of the firm belief that ordinary Israeli and Palestinian peoples have the same dream: living in peace and security.

History teaches us that violence begets violence and radicalisation. We believe that peace, security and justice for all are the only conditions where safety and prosperity can be secured for both Israelis and Palestinians. 

To this end: 

• We reiterate our deep solidarity with, and compassion for, all victims of this conflict – Palestinians and Israelis.

• We are appalled by the disproportionate and tragic impacts on the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza and their basic human rights.

• We renew our call for an urgent and permanent ceasefire agreement that will secure: 
  • an end to the violence being carried out by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza.
  • the immediate supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza to restore the basic human rights of its citizens, in line with the order of the International Court of Justice.
  • the return to Israel of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and its allies; and
  • the resumption of diplomatic efforts towards lasting peace and a two-state solution.  

• We urge the Government of Israel to abandon its war in Gaza, which will only result in more trauma, hatred, and radicalisation; fully comply with the order of the International Court of Justice; work with the international community to secure a ceasefire agreement; reverse its support for illegal settlements in the West Bank; and resume talks towards a two-state solution.

• We urge Hamas and those in position of power in Gaza to ensure the return of all remaining hostages safely to their homes and families without further delay; work with the international community to secure a ceasefire agreement; recognise the right of Israel to exist; and resume talks along with Al Fatah towards a two-state solution.

• We further call on the international community and our global leaders, including our Australian leaders, to use all diplomatic means available to them to put an end to this conflict and secure a commitment to a two-state solution. 

Australia must not be a passive observer of this pointless bloodshed and must use every diplomatic measure it has at its disposal to end it. 

We ask your support by emailing your local MP and urging them to advocate for:

• strong diplomatic action by the Australian Government to help secure an urgent and permanent ceasefire agreement, including the return to Israel of all hostages still held captive in Gaza
• lobbying of Israel by the Australian Government to ensure full compliance with the recent order of the International Court for Justice.
• the continued provision by the Australian government of humanitarian assistance funding to the people of Gaza, including via the United Nations.

If at all possible, we recommend that you use your own words for your email (right-hand side of the page). Alternatively you may use the template email we have provided. 

In addition to your Federal Member of Parliament, your email will be sent to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Simon Birmingham, Senator Jacqui Lambie and Senator David Shoebridge.

Thank you for your support. We urge you to share this campaign with your friends, family and networks.