On the second anniversary of the escalation of the conflict in Gaza, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) expresses grave concern over the unprecedented scale of suffering and loss of life. ACFID mourns the tragic loss of life resulting from the October 7 attacks on Israel, in which over 1,200 people were killed and many taken hostage. We also mourn the horrific, profound and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands of civilians—many of them children—have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced.  

Over the past two years, over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israeli Government figures show 83% of those killed have been civilians, including more than 20,000 children. 

Gaza is now facing one of the worst humanitarian crises that the world has seen in decades, marked by widespread destruction, famine, and the deliberate denial of life-saving aid to Palestinians. 

Earlier this month, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry found that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This follows the January 2024 ruling by the International Court of Justice, which concluded that Israel’s actions plausibly amount to genocide under international law. These findings have intensified calls for the international community to act decisively to prevent further loss of life.  

“The humanitarian situation is catastrophic. Entire neighbourhoods have been levelled, health systems have collapsed, and families are being starved,” said ACFID CEO Matthew Maury.  

Despite this, humanitarian access remains illegally obstructed, and attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers continue. All states, including Australia, must act on their obligations under the Genocide Convention. This includes ending any direct or indirect support for military operations in the occupied Palestinian territory.  

ACFID continues to call on the Australian Government to use all available diplomatic means, including the use of additional sanctions, to ensure that NGOs can operate legally and safely in Gaza and the West Bank, in line with international humanitarian principles. 

“Many of ACFID’s member organisations are ready to deliver life-saving assistance but are being blocked by Israeli-imposed restrictions. Israel’s requirement for further NGO registration restricts aid and is deeply concerning. These measures must be stopped,” continued Mr Maury.  

ACFID also calls on the government to immediately halt the transfer of all weapons and military equipment to Israel, and to implement a two-way arms embargo in line with international law and the Arms Trade Treaty. 

ACFID continues to stand in solidarity with all victims of violence. We call for the protection of civilians, scaled-up principled humanitarian assistance, the end of the blockade, and for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians. Peace, justice, and accountability must guide the path forward. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at  [email protected]  or call 0401 721 064.