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Male presenting person holding a sign reading 'Ceasefire now' in a crowd

Gaza Ceasefire Statement 17/1/2025

Published January 17, 2025

While the news of a more substantial ceasefire agreement will hopefully offer much-needed relief and respite for Palestinians in Gaza enduring unimaginable brutality, it's not the end of their suffering or the struggle for justice.

It's important to remember that as we witness Western leaders patting themselves on the back for this outcome, the terms of the agreement are identical to those proposed in May 2024. Hamas agreed, while israel rejected them - leading to a further eight months of extreme suffering. The achievement of this agreement is because of Palestinian endurance, resilience and continued resistance.

And while the current agreement is still to be voted on by the israeli cabinet, the situation remains unpredictable. But whatever the outcome of the vote, for those of us watching from afar, the work continues - keep boycotting, keep resisting, and keep amplifying Palestinian voices. Palestinians need more than a break, they need their freedom.

The work continues

  • Remain vigilant and demand that israel complies with all conditions of the ceasefire agreement - israel has violated these agreements before and they can do it again
  • Continue BDS - including:
    • boycotting israeli products in your local stores
    • campaigning for Tasmanian institutions to divest from israel
    • campaigning for Tasmanian companies to stop selling weapons parts to israel
  • Contribute where you can to funds going to support the rebuilding of Gaza and other urgent needs
  • Keep uplifting Palestinian voices

We must pressure the australian government to:

  • Place sanctions on israel, similar to those placed on Russia and Iran
  • Fast track visa applications for those who want to leave Gaza, and reinstate consular support
  • Provide better support for newly arrived Gazans
  • Uphold australia's obligations under the Genocide Convention and honour the ICC arrest warrants of Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant
  • Acknowledge the illegal annexation of land in Syria and Lebanon, place pressure on israel to withdraw and stop violating the ceasefire in Lebanon
  • Provide immediate additional funding of UNRWA for on the ground aid and rebuilding of infastructure.

We always knew this was a marathon, not a sprint.

A ceasefire may change the form of our action and struggle for Palestinian liberation here in australia, but our work continues until:

  • the right of return for all Palestinians is honoured
  • land is returned
  • apartheid is dismantled
  • and Palestine is free,

from the river to the sea.

Ceasefire today.

Liberation tomorrow.