Palestine is facing the threat of Israel formally annexing large swathes of Palestinian lands in early July.
Take action by copying the letter below, which has been prepared by the Office of the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, and sending it to your federal MP.
You can find contact details for your federal MP here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(Insert date)
Mr/Ms (Insert name here) MP
(Insert MP address here)
Re: Israeli unilateral annexation plan.
Dear Mr/Ms (Insert name here),
The new Israeli government’s plan of unilateral annexation of West Bank settlements, Jordan Valley and North of the Dead Sea, is entirely illegal under international law and a flagrant violation of the human rights of the Palestinian people.
The consequences of such actions would immediately result in the abolishing of any possibility for self-determination of Palestinian people and statehood. Such actions would not only be catastrophic for any prospects for peace with Palestinians but would also undoubtedly severely threaten any prospects for the advancement of peace and stability in the region and worldwide.
Based on this, we call on the Australian government and Opposition to support the following clear positions:
- To reject and condemn the Israeli future plans to annex West Bank settlements, Jordan Valley and North of the Dead Sea, as a violation of International law, UN Security Council Resolutions and Palestinian people human rights and freedom. If the colonial plan is implemented, it is our expectation that Australia would impose sanctions on Israel similar to its position when Russia annexed Crimean Peninsula. If Australia does not take a principled position towards the Israeli annexation plan, it would be perceived, within the Muslim, Arab and Palestinian communities, as hypocritical and biased towards Israel.
- To support the establishment of a sovereign, independent and democratic Palestinian State on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee’s plight.
- To work with the international community, the Arab League, Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC), European Union, UN and others, to support a multilateral approach to solve Israeli Palestine conflict based on international law and UN Resolutions.
- Finally, to recognize, without delay, the State of Palestine on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
I kindly request a meeting with you to further discuss these matters and the possible implications of the annexation plan.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely yours,
(Insert your name here)
(Insert your address here)