New Israel Fund Australia Condemns Netanyahu’s Gaza Occupation Announcement

13/08/2025

NIF Australia is appalled by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent announcement to fully re-occupy Gaza. This is the latest in a series of reckless moves aimed at derailing — and potentially destroying — any hope for a peaceful, political resolution to the crisis.

This dangerous plan, opposed by many inside Israel - including the current IDF Chief of Staff and many of former military leaders - will do nothing to advance peace or security. Instead, it risks the lives of the remaining hostages, deepens the humanitarian catastrophe, and could condemn generations of Israelis and Palestinians to further violence and insecurity.

A re-occupation would prolong the starvation and devastation already crippling Gaza, and inflict further harm on the most vulnerable: children, hostages, and innocent civilians.

As record numbers of Israelis take to the streets to protest this war, we stand with the civil society organisations fighting for justice and equality. Their outrage is ours. This conflict serves only the political interests of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his far-right coalition — not the long-term safety or dignity of either people.

Together with our global partners, NIF Australia has long worked to protect the conditions necessary for a two-state solution — one that recognises the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity within internationally recognised borders. We have consistently advocated that the way forward lies in achieving a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages, and the realisation of a free and independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

In this spirit, we welcome the Albanese Government’s clear call for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, reaffirming that the starvation of civilians is unacceptable and must end immediately.

“We stand with the Israelis protesting in their hundreds of thousands and with the Palestinians enduring unimaginable suffering. Together they remind us that a just peace is still possible, but only if we reject endless war and occupation.”

Kate Rosenberg, Executive Director, NIF Australia