AFIC Calls for Immediate Australian Recognition of Palestine

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) unequivocally condemns the recent discussions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the potential annexation of the Gaza Strip. Such discourse is not only a severe provocation but also a direct threat to international stability and peace, according to a press release recently issued by AFIC to The Asian Age.

Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, expressed outrage: “The conversations about annexing Gaza are unacceptable and catastrophic. They disregard international laws and the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people. We call upon the Australian Government to respond with more than mere disapproval. It is time for Australia to unconditionally recognize the state of Palestine and oppose any actions that undermine its sovereignty.”

The prospect of annexation could lead to irreversible damage to regional stability and represents a blatant disregard for the principles of human rights and self-determination. “The international community must not stand by as these aggressive policies threaten to erase the hopes for peace. We urge the Australian Government to take a bold stand against such egregious violations of international norms,” added Dr. Jneid.

AFIC demands that the Australian Government act decisively. Australia must lead with moral clarity by immediately recognizing the state of Palestine. This recognition is not just symbolic—it is a crucial step towards upholding international law and supporting global justice.

Leaders of the Arab nations must take a principled stance against the annexation talks and resist such moves in every possible way. “There is no room for complacency or sideline diplomacy at this critical juncture. Arab leaders must unite and act decisively or risk losing all credibility with their own people,” Dr. Jneid emphasized.

AFIC also calls on global leaders, human rights organizations, and all entities committed to peace to vocally and unequivocally reject these harmful discussions and to work towards securing a peaceful and just resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organization in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.

Demonstrations erupted across Europe in December 2024 as protesters highlighted Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip and other parts of Palestine and demanded justice, solidarity and immediate pullout of Israeli soldiers from Palestine.

Major cities like Stockholm, Sarajevo, London and Barcelona witnessed large-scale rallies with participants condemning Israeli actions and their governments’ complicity. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Stockholm, waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags. They chanted slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Stop the Genocide.”

They slammed the Swedish government and the US policymakers for supporting Israel.

Speaking to journalists, Swedish human rights activist Eva Myrdal accused Israel of colonialism and ethnic cleansing, asserting that its actions contravene the United Nations Charter.

She also highlighted Sweden’s alignment with the United States of America and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), lamenting their shared imperialist agenda.

Eva Myrdal stressed the necessity of mass dissent, saying Swedish people must challenge their government’s silence. In London, more than 125,000 people marched for the 21st consecutive national demonstration supporting Palestine.

Protesters in London in January 2025 demanded an end to Britain’s arms sales to Israel and sustainable peace in Gaza, chanting slogans like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

The march culminated in speeches outside the Prime Minister’s Office, where demonstrators called upon British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stop arms deals with Israel.

Counter-protests by pro-Israel supporters led to confrontations, but police ensured the march proceeded without significant disruption.
British actor and cultural organizer Khalid Abdalla highlighted the growing solidarity within the cultural and arts sectors, underscoring the importance of voices in global advocacy.

Khalid Abdalla acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals in those industries for supporting Palestine but expressed hope that their influence would inspire others to act in favour of the repressed Palestinians.

It may be added that Muslims all over the world have been all along raising their voices in a sound and solid way against the murderous military operations Israeli armed forces have been conducting on Palestinians for years after years but unfortunately the prosperous west including the United Nations Security Council has massively failed to establish peace, stability, humanitarian principles and justice in the Middle East when it comes to the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel. More painful is the fact that most of the wealthy Muslim countries in the Middle East have not yet been able to do anything substantial to stop bloodshed in Palestine.


Dr. Syed Saifuddin Ahmad is
a psychiatrist and a noted
Islamic scholar based in
Sydney, Australia.