As people in Gaza face relentless bombardment, death, and destruction on an unprecedented scale, Amnesty International is calling for  a comprehensive national arms embargo on Israel, Hamas and other armed groups, as well as transparent national control system for arms exports in Australia.

Because of Australia’s opaque approval process for arms transfers, we don’t know what arms are exported, to what country, or for what purpose. The Government has consistently reiterated that Australia has not exported weapons directly to Israel for 5 years. However, it is unclear whether weapons parts and ammunition/munitions manufactured in Australia have been approved for export where there is a chance that Israel will be the end user.

Thales Australia, who manufacture TNT for 155mm artillery ammunition shells out of Benalla in Victoria, as well as completed M795 155mm projectiles, likely provide these to the US through approved defence export permits. In December 2023 a $147.5 million export permit from the US to Israel for 155mm shells was approved. Part of this permit was M795 155mm shells, which are the same kind manufactured by Thales in Benalla, meaning that Australian manufactured ammunition/munitions might be being used by the Israeli Defence Force in Gaza.

War crimes committed during the outbreak of conflict since 7 October 2023 by Israeli forces include direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects and indiscriminate attacks. Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have committed war crimes including the deliberate killing of civilians, hostage-taking and launching indiscriminate rocket attacks into Israel.

So while the statement that Australia has not directly exported weapons to Israel may be accurate, Amnesty International maintains serious concerns as to Australia’s adherence to its international obligations regarding arms transfers. And the reality is that even if Australian-made arms are not being used by Israel in Gaza, it is impossible for Australians to know.

Because people all around Australia have urged the government to take action, the government has called for a ceasefire. Together, we can ensure nothing manufactured in Australia contributes to death and destruction in Gaza.

Amnesty International is calling on all states to impose a comprehensive arms embargo against all parties to the conflict because of the risk that arms will be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.

Sign the petition calling for the Government to not allow the export of any arms to Israel including arms parts.