6 September 2024

The Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Senator the Hon. Penny Wong

Minister for Foreign Affairs Parliament House

Canberra ACT 2600

The Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP

Minister for the Environment and Water

PO Box 2676 

Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

Subject: URGENT – Australian Family in Imminent Danger in Tulkarm, Palestine – Immediate Government Action Required

Dear Prime Minister, Minister Wong, and Minister Plibersek,

We urgently seek your immediate intervention to assist the Douer family, Australian citizens in grave danger in Tulkarm, Palestine. Recent Israeli military operations in the West Bank have forced their displacement, putting their lives at risk. Immediate government action is crucial to uphold Australia’s obligations to its citizens abroad.

Family Details and Situation
Sousan Douer (48 yo), born and raised in Sydney, and her three Australian-born children – Deeba (12 yo), Sophia (14 yo), and Nourdeen (16 yo) – have been forcibly displaced from their family home in Tulkarm. This area is currently under intense military operations by Israeli Occupation Forces, described internationally as the largest assault on the West Bank in 20 years. 

Required Actions
We urgently call on the Australian government to:

1. Establish direct contact with the Douer family and provide emergency assistance. 
2. Deploy diplomatic resources to secure safe passage and/or evacuation for the family.
3. Issue a formal diplomatic protest to Israel regarding the treatment of Australian citizens and demand compliance with ICJ rulings.
4. Publicly condemn the forced displacement and military operations in civilian areas.
5. Pressure Israel to cease military operations and comply with international law.
6. Ensure Australia is not aiding Israel’s illegal occupation, as mandated by the ICJ.

Immediate Risks

• Physical harm or death from ongoing Israeli occupation and military operations
• Lack of access to essential services (water, electricity, and medical care)
• Potential arrest or detention without due process
• Psychological trauma, especially to the children

Recent Events

Recent events have made the situation in Tulkarm “catastrophic”, with extensive destruction, severe shortages of food and medical supplies, and at least 16 people killed. 

Legal Context and Violations
Recent ICJ rulings declare Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 1967 as “unlawful”, requiring Israel to end its occupation. The ICJ also emphasised that all UN member states, including Australia, must not support Israel’s illegal actions. Additionally, the ICJ found claims of Israel committing genocide “plausible”, and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese warned of acts of genocide with intent.

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Minister Plibersek, as Sousan is your constituent, we expect your office to take a leading role in coordinating this response. We request an urgent meeting within 24 hours and expect a formal response within three business days.

The Australian government’s response to this crisis will be closely scrutinised by the public and international community. The lives of Australian citizens are at stake, and your immediate and decisive action is not just expected, but legally and morally required.

Sincerely,

Families for Palestine Community Group
familiesforpalestine [at] gmail.com

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We acknowledge that these are stolen lands and that sovereignty was never ceded. This was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.