Hostilities across the Middle East have escalated rapidly following unlawful attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory strikes across the region.
What began as attacks on Iranian territory has now spread across multiple countries, placing civilians across the region at grave risk.
Homes, schools and essential infrastructure have been damaged. Civilians have been killed and injured. In Lebanon, escalating attacks and evacuation orders have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis.
This escalation is also unfolding while Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure catastrophic conditions as Israel’s genocide against Palestinians devastates civilian life.
Under international law, civilians must never be targeted.
Amnesty International is calling on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and end unlawful attacks, including deliberate, indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Australia was among the first countries to publicly support the United States and Israel following the strikes on Iran.
Now, the Australian government must use its diplomatic influence to help prevent further escalation and prioritise the protection of civilians across the region.
Email Foreign Minister Penny Wong and urge Australia to act.