Australia Reviews Military Export Permits to Israel Amid Gaza Genocide

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Australian officials have launched a review of 66 active military export permits to Israel, which were approved before the Israeli offensive on Gaza began on October 7, 2023. This review is part of a broader assessment of Australia’s defense exports to ensure they align with its international obligations, including human rights considerations, according to a report by The Guardian.

The Australian Department of Defense is evaluating each permit on a case-by-case basis, with the outcome of the review expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Officials indicated that any permit found to be inconsistent with Australia’s national interests or potential violations of human rights could be canceled.

Despite assurances from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that Australia has not supplied weapons to Israel either before or after October 7, the government has faced criticism over its lack of transparency regarding the details of the export permits. According to government data, Australia has issued 247 military export licenses related to Israel since 2019, though only 66 are currently active.

Reports have suggested that parts of the F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in Gaza, which have been linked to thousands of civilian casualties, were manufactured in Australia. In light of the ongoing genocide, there have been calls, including from 350 Australian government employees in May 2023, to halt military exports to Israel.

The Australian Greens party has been particularly vocal, with defense spokesperson David Shoebridge demanding a complete cessation of military trade with Israel. Shoebridge stated that Australia “must not do anything to embolden Israel to continue the genocide.”

Human rights organizations, such as the Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ), have also supported the review. The ACIJ has pushed for a complete arms embargo against Israel, citing numerous violations of international law.