On 7 October 2023, Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel resulted in the killing and abduction of Israeli civilians. The Federal Labor Government has rightly condemned these attacks, and called for the immediate release of hostages.
The Israeli response to the 7 October 2023 attacks, however, has also drawn widespread condemnation. The International Court of Justice found in January 2024 that South Africa had established a plausible case that Israel has engaged in genocide in Gaza. In May 2024, prosecutors from the International Criminal Court announced they were seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leaders and Israeli leaders, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel has also flouted international law in relation to an International Court of Justice ruling that they must immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah.
In this context, many have called for review of university investments and partnerships which directly or indirectly may be contributing to the harm inflicted by the Israeli military on the civilian population of Gaza.