Contributed by Jim Hayes

Australian ‘s government faces a hearing at the International Court of Justice (IJC), which will hear evidence that it has contributed to aiding and abetting Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The ICJ has already ruled that this genocide is proven.

If it succeeds, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could face criminal proceedings. Perhaps this doesn’t mean that he will face arrest ad punishment. But it will carry a considerable political cost. And it will weaken the pro-Israel elements within the Labor Party.

Loads of evidence of adding and abetting exists. From encouraging and assisting the manufacturing and supply of armaments, communication systems, and delivery of weapons, to providing political covering ad silencing voices critical of the genocide, It is clear that the Albanese government is partisan and a player in this genocide.

Rally supporting the Palestinians outside the ICJ headquarters in The Hague

Initial evidence provided by the head of the legal team presenting the case, King’s Counsel Sheryn Omeri, the Prime minister and other ministers are implicated. So is opposition leader Peter Dutton. This indicates a bipartisanism the leaderships of Labor and the Coalition.

The evidence to be presented includes,

• Freezing $6 million in funding to the primary aid agency operating in Gaza – UNRWA – amid a humanitarian crisis based on unsubstantiated claims by Israel after the International Court of Justice had found it plausibly to be committing genocide in Gaza.
• Providing military aid and approving defence exports to Israel, which could be used by the IDF in the course of the prima facie commission of genocide and crimes against humanity.
• Ambiguously deploying an Australian military contingent to the region, where its location and exact role have not been disclosed.
• Permitting Australians, either explicitly or implicitly, to travel to Israel to join the IDF and take part in its attacks on Gaza.
• Providing unequivocal political support for Israel’s actions, as evidenced by the political statements of the PM and other members of Parliament, including the Leader of the Opposition.

This evidence and the ongoing investigation are a significant step towards holding those responsible accountable and achieving justice, said Sheryn Omeri. The fact that this and other cases exist at all is testament to the growing desire global public opinion, which increasingly calls for an end to the slaughter and the right of Palestinian people to live and enjoy normal human rights, including that the exist as equals to other human beings.

As much as the Australian government, prime minister, and the opposition deserve to be called out and made accountable, they remain relatively small players. The most important aider and abettor is the United States. The Israeli apartheid regime could not exist, and its killing would not be possible without this support. The United Sates President and its government must be brought to account.

Action taken against their Australian counterparts must be seen within this context. They are junior players obeying those in control. This is the nature of the US/Australia Alliance. Our guilty leaders must pay the price, and this should help to bring those with most blood on their hands to face justice.