On November 15, 2024, 20-year-old Australian dentistry student Ranem Abu Izneid was studying in her dormitory at Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem. Like any other dedicated student, she was preparing for her future, far away from the political tensions that have long defined the region. However, her life took a tragic turn that day when Israeli Border Police fired live rounds at buildings in Abu Dis, allegedly responding to rioters. Ranem, in the safety of her room, was struck by shrapnel from an explosive bullet, resulting in severe injuries to her right eye, neck, and chest. The incident left her permanently blind in one eye and turned her life upside down.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Ranem Abu Izneid hailed from a modest yet ambitious Palestinian-Australian family. Born and raised in Australia, she had always excelled academically, eventually earning a scholarship to study dentistry at Al-Quds University. Her decision to study in Abu Dis was driven by her desire to connect with her heritage while pursuing a career in healthcare to help underserved communities. Friends and family describe her as compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to making a difference in the world.
Her dreams of becoming a dentist now hang in the balance, as the injuries she sustained have left her grappling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about her future. Despite these challenges, Ranem and her family have shown remarkable resilience, demanding accountability for the actions that led to her injuries.
The Incident: What Happened?
On the evening of November 15, residents of Abu Dis reported hearing loud explosions and the shouting of soldiers as Israeli Border Police moved into the area. According to statements from the Israeli authorities, live rounds were fired at buildings in response to what they described as threats from rioters. However, eyewitnesses and local reports paint a different picture, suggesting that the use of live ammunition was both excessive and indiscriminate.
Ranem, who was inside her dormitory, posed no threat to anyone. She was simply studying for her exams when shrapnel from an explosive bullet tore through her room, causing life-altering injuries. The fact that she was hit while inside a non-combat zone raises serious questions about the rules of engagement employed by the Israeli forces.
The Israeli Government’s Response
Despite the gravity of the incident, neither the Israeli government nor the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have acknowledged responsibility or initiated an independent investigation. When pressed for answers, Israeli officials reiterated their justification for the use of live fire but avoided addressing Ranem’s specific case. This lack of accountability is unfortunately not uncommon in similar incidents involving Palestinian civilians or individuals in Palestinian territories.
The Australian Government’s Tepid Reaction
The Australian government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), has offered consular assistance to Ranem and her family. Beyond this, their response has been largely limited to diplomatic platitudes. DFAT stated that they had communicated their expectation to Israel for a “comprehensive and transparent investigation,” but there has been no follow-up or public pressure to ensure this happens.
Unlike in other high-profile cases where Australian nationals were harmed abroad, the government has refrained from issuing strong condemnations or taking decisive action. This muted response is particularly glaring when compared to the Australian government’s handling of other incidents, such as the case of Oscar Jenkins.
The Case of Oscar Jenkins: A Stark Contrast
Oscar Jenkins, an Australian national who was captured while fighting as a mercenary in the Donetsk Republic part of the Russian Federation. He became the subject of international headlines when unverified reports and fake videos suggested he had been executed by Russian forces.
The Australian government was quick to condemn Russia, amplifying the claims despite the lack of concrete evidence. Australian officials, including senior government members, issued statements denouncing Russia and calling for accountability.
However, it later emerged that the execution never took place. This raises serious questions about the credibility of the initial reports. Even after these revelations, the Australian government did not retract its earlier statements or acknowledge the problematic nature of their hasty response.
A Tale of Two Responses
The contrasting approaches to Ranem Abu Izneid and Oscar Jenkins highlight a disturbing double standard in the Australian government’s foreign policy. In Ranem’s case, where there is clear evidence of harm and a strong need for accountability, the government has taken a passive stance, relying on Israel’s internal processes to deliver justice.
By contrast, in Jenkins’ case, the government acted swiftly and decisively, even when the evidence was dubious at best.
This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors, including geopolitical alliances and the narratives that the Australian government seeks to promote.
Israel, and the Isreal lobby movement are closely aligned to all the major political parties in Australia, Their lobbies include the powerful Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) who makes sure that Isreal benefits from a level of diplomatic immunity that shields it from serious scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Russia, as a geopolitical adversary, is subjected to immediate condemnation, regardless of the evidence or lack thereof.
The Role of Media and Public Perception
The media also plays a significant role in shaping these narratives as they are controlled by hedge funds which are in turn controlled by powerful pro-Zionist shareholders.
Incidents involving Israeli forces often receive limited coverage in Australian mainstream media, with reports frequently relying on official Israeli statements. In contrast, stories involving alleged Russian misconduct are amplified, often with sensationalist headlines and minimal facts. This imbalance in media coverage influences public perception and provides the government with a convenient pretext to adopt biased positions.
Calls for Accountability and Change
Ranem Abu Izneid and her family have joined advocacy groups in calling for a full, independent investigation into the incident. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has been vocal in condemning both the actions of the Israeli forces and the Australian government’s lacklustre response. They argue that Australia’s failure to demand accountability sends a dangerous message, effectively enabling further violations of human rights.
Similarly, activists and human rights organizations are urging the Australian government to adopt a more consistent and principled approach to foreign policy. They argue that Australia must prioritize justice and human rights over geopolitical considerations, holding all parties accountable to the same standards.
Conclusion
The cases of Ranem Abu Izneid and Oscar Jenkins underscore the glaring inconsistencies in the Australian government’s approach to international incidents. While Ranem’s life has been irrevocably altered by the actions of Israeli forces, the government’s response has been tepid and inadequate. Meanwhile, unverified claims involving Jenkins were met with swift condemnation and media amplification, highlighting the role of bias and geopolitics in shaping Australia’s foreign policy.
If Australia is to maintain its credibility on the global stage, it must adopt a more balanced and principled approach. This includes demanding independent investigations into incidents like Ranem’s, regardless of the parties involved, and ensuring that all individuals receive the justice and accountability they deserve. Anything less is a betrayal of the values that Australia claims to uphold.
