Australia has a legal obligation to act in response to Israel’s crimes. Here’s how | Chris Sidoti

I have spent the past five years collecting evidence of grave violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank. All states, including Australia, must respond to these atrocities

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Last month the foreign minister, Penny Wong, called Israeli soldiers’ actions in relation to the Gaza humanitarian flotilla “shocking and unacceptable” and on Thursday she said that the treatment of Australian women on the flotilla was “unacceptable”. Former minister Ed Husic said that there are many actions the Australian government should take to address Israel’s continuing crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. I agree with them both.

I have spent the past five years collecting and analysing evidence of grave violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank. Since October 2023, much of my work has focused on Gaza, where the scale of civilian suffering, destruction, displacement and deprivation has raised profound legal and moral concerns. Our UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel’s conduct in Gaza constitutes war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide under international law.