“We do not surrender, we win or we die! You will have to fight the next generation and the next and the next … and I will live longer than my executioner” – Omar Mukhtar.
People should be aware that 155mm artillery shells are made in Maryborough in Queensland under licence from State and Federal governments. A joint venture between Noia and Rheinmettal make these deadly shells in Maryborough using German steel. In the past these shells have been sent to Ukraine in its war against Russia.
However, when Israel was running out of munitions to be used against the Palestinians in Gaza, the Australia’s main ally sent artillery shells destined for Ukraine onto Israel . (see Ukraine’s artillery supply declines as shells go to Israel).
Yet Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy claims to be “horrified” and “appalled” by the recent military actions taking place in Gaza. (See Conroy ‘appalled’, ‘horrified’ by military actions in Gaza ).
Just Peace spokesperson, Annette Brownlie, speaking in response to Australian government plans to prepare for conflict promoted by the United States in the Asia/Pacific region adds:
“So the military pivoting to long-range missiles and significantly boosting the number of artillery shells that can be built onshore would help deter potential adversaries from attacking, he said as he released a guided weapons blueprint. There is no indication that China intends to attack Australia other than in a situation where a war had been started most likely by a situation provoked by the buildup of US and its allies’ military around the east coast of China. Then our ‘ammunition’ will not help to prevent targeting of Pine Gap Tindal NW Cape Sterling naval base. (see Australia to build up missile and ammunition manufacturing )
“The key need is to de-escalate and that is just not happening.” Ms Brownlie said.
Here is what a young Palestinian had to say at the Gaza Is Burning Protest in Magan-djin on 25 October 2024.
Ferra Engineering is the SOLE manufacturer of the AME weapons bay adaptors for the F-35 jets currently being used to bomb thousands across Palestine and Lebanon. The AMEs are what hold and drop bombs, and they are being made in our backyard.
PICKET FERRA ENGINEERING
MONDAY 4TH NOVEMBER
5AM – 9AM
344 NEW CLEVELAND RD TINGALPA QLD 4173
Ian Curr
1 Nov 2024
Reference
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBtLsNByXcK/?igsh=anI1dTNxcXdzNXV2
Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)
Senator Wong makes right call to oppose Israeli Knesset’s decision severely restricting UNRWA work
But Senator Wong must also condemn the Israeli Knesset’s vote to declare UNRWA a terror group
A stronger diplomatic stance is still needed: Australia should cut diplomatic ties with Israel
Sanctions must be applied and Israel’s ambassador should be expelled
Australia must decisively end all bilateral military-technology trade with Israel
The recent passing of laws by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, banning UNRWA from operating on Israeli soil and the vote to declare UNRWA a terror group must be condemned.
“IPAN supports the statement by Senator Penny Wong that ‘Australia opposes the Israeli Knesset’s decision to severely restrict UNRWA’s work’, but IPAN calls on the senator to publicly condemn the Israeli Knesset’s vote to declare UNRWA a terror group”, stated Ms Kathryn Kelly spokesperson for the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN).
“Israel’s behaviour contravenes international law and cannot be tolerated. Australia must take stronger steps“, stated Ms Kelly.
“Israel must therefore be isolated and hit with economic sanctions, their ambassador expelled and all ties with them severed – including Australia ending all bilateral military-technology trade with Israel”, said Ms Kelly.
IPAN also calls on the Australian Government to urge the USA to take similar strong action.
Hiba Farra, an advocate for the Palestine cause, with a legal background and a presenter at the recent IPAN Conference in Perth has stated the following:
“Israel has been for decades trying tirelessly to delegitimise the UN. There is no alternative to UNRWA for the Palestinian people. All these actions by Israel are serving one agenda, to push the Palestinians once again out of their land. This act at a time of genocide should be faced with actions, not just words. It’s time that Australia sanctions Israel.”
The already inadequate aid distribution could collapse completely when the laws take effect in 90 days – “but we are at a point in time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is already at a catastrophic point”, stated Ms Kelly.
UNRWA’s lifesaving work must be allowed to continue – with estimates of 650,000 girls and boys who will be denied food, healthcare and an education, putting at risk an entire generation of children, if the aid cannot continue.
IPAN is also dismayed by the remarks by opposition leader Peter Dutton calling for UNRWA funding to be diverted to other aid groups. This completely ignores the immoral and illegal behaviour of Israel, and could be seen by them as effectively giving a green light to Israel’s behaviour, stated Ms Kelly.
Media Interviews: Hiba Farra (WA) 0424 410 313 and Kathryn Kelly (ACT) 0417 269 984
Media Liaison: Jonathan Pilbrow (NT) 0403 611 815
Bio: Hiba Farra is an advocate for the Palestinian cause with a legal background. Hiba was a presenter at the recent bi-ennial national conference of the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN), held in Perth from 4-6 October.
Bio: Kathryn Kelly is a former federal public servant who worked largely in the environment and Aboriginal affairs portfolios. She visited Gaza and the West Bank in 2002 and 2003 and then founded the ‘Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine’ organisation in Canberra in 2003. Kathryn was a member of the IPAN National Coordinating Committee as an ACT rep, (2013-2023). Kathryn was also a founding co-convenor of the Alliance Against Political Prosecutors until recently, advocating for the truth tellers/whistleblowers.