The Law Council of Australia condemns the attack on Israel by the Hamas militant group, whose indiscriminate, deliberate atrocities perpetrated against civilians – including killing and kidnapping hostages – violate unequivocal, non-derogable prohibitions under international law.
It implores Israel to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law, in particular, the principles of distinction and proportionality, and permit the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The Law Council joins the international legal community in urging governments and international institutions to use their best diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages, establish humanitarian corridors and facilitate evacuations, and prevent the escalation of violence in the region.
