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AFIC Condemns Israel’s Invasion of Lebanon and Warns of Dangerous Collapse of International Order
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AFIC Condemns Israel’s Invasion of Lebanon and Warns of Dangerous Collapse of International Order
28/03/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) unequivocally condemns Israel’s ongoing invasion of Lebanon, describing it as a blatant act of aggression against a sovereign nation and a further escalation of a conflict that has already devastated the region.
Israeli forces have expanded ground operations into southern Lebanon, accompanied by sustained aerial bombardment, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and the displacement of vast segments of the civilian population. Reports indicate that close to one million Lebanese, nearly one in five of the country’s population, have now been displaced, with entire communities forced to flee under relentless attack.
Since the latest escalation began, coinciding with broader regional hostilities, nearly 1000 have been killed, with the toll continuing to rise as bombardments intensify and access to humanitarian relief remains severely restricted.
The systematic destruction of bridges and transport links between southern Lebanon and the rest of the country mirrors tactics already seen elsewhere in the region, isolating populations, preventing movement, and compounding humanitarian suffering.
There are now open discussions about the establishment of settlements in southern Lebanon, raising serious concerns that this is not a temporary military operation, but part of a longer-term strategy of territorial usurpation.
“This is a clear and unambiguous invasion of Lebanon,” said AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid. “It reflects a longstanding pattern of Israeli expansionism that has brought repeated instability and suffering to the region.”
AFIC said the continued escalation highlights a profound failure of the international system to uphold even the most basic standards of law and accountability.
“What we are witnessing is the selective application of international law,” Dr Jneid said. “Rules are invoked when convenient and ignored when they stand in the way of power.”
The lack of meaningful global response, particularly from Western governments, risks further eroding confidence in international institutions and legal frameworks that are meant to protect nations and civilians alike.
AFIC warned that when communities and nations lose faith in international law and diplomacy, the consequences are deeply dangerous.
“When people see that there is no accountability, no protection, and no justice, it raises a fundamental and troubling question, what options are left for those under attack?” Dr Jneid said.
AFIC called on the Australian government to:
• Immediately and unequivocally condemn the invasion of Lebanon
• Reject any language that seeks to normalise or justify territorial aggression
• Support urgent international efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.
The continued expansion of this conflict threatens not only the stability of the Middle East, but the credibility of the global order itself.
This invasion must end.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President |
