NIF supports Gaza ceasefire
NIF Australia Executive Director Michael Chaitow said a ceasefire deal would finally allow the residents of Gaza to start rebuilding their lives and bring the hostages home.
The New Israel Fund (NIF) Australia has welcomed the rescue of the four Israeli hostages by the IDF, but believes diplomacy is the best way to save the others.
NIF Australia Executive Director Michael Chaitow said a ceasefire deal would finally allow the residents of Gaza to start rebuilding their lives and bring the hostages home.
“We were deeply heartened to see the return of the four hostages this week, and distraught at the loss of life in Gaza that came alongside it” he said.
The left leaning Jewish NGO has called on all parties to this conflict to accept the ceasefire deal announced by US President Joe Biden.
“With the death toll continuing to rise to devastating heights in Gaza, we reiterate our calls for a ceasefire and the immediate return of the hostages. It is only through these steps, that we can begin the important work towards a two-state solution that will ensure peace and security for all in the region” he said.
Responding to threats by far-right Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir to leave the ruling coalition if the ceasefire is accepted, Chaitow said “Good. These extremists have no place in government in any liberal democracy and their opposition to returning the hostages demonstrates their fanaticism”.
The NIF executive director pointed to a poll of Australian Jewry released earlier this month in which three quarters of respondents confirmed a close connection to Israel and 79% also expressed concern about the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.
“A significant proportion of the Australian Jewish community grieves for the unnecessary loss of life in this conflict on all sides. We know that this war has come at a devastating cost, and the longer it goes on, the more lives will be lost” Chaitow said.
The NIF also supports calls from the Australian government for an immediate ceasefire.
It’s urging elected leaders in Australia to exert pressure on all parties to establish a ceasefire and immediately return all hostages.
“We remain deeply committed to peacebuilding and building a shared society where all Israelis and Palestinians can live peacefully alongside one another” Chaitow said.
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