(c) Simon Schluter (The Age)
13 April 2025
The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) acts for Ms Ranem* Abu-Izneid, a 20-year-old Australian citizen and Palestinian dental student, who was severely injured in Abu Dis, unlawfully occupied West Bank, on 15 November 2024. It has previously been reported that the Israeli Border Police have acknowledged their officers were firing live rounds at buildings in Abu Dis on the day of the incident.
Ranem was injured in her apartment by a bullet that had been shot through her apartment window. As a result of the shooting, Ranem sustained numerous shrapnel injuries to her scalp, face, neck and chest. Most significantly, her right eye was permanently blinded and required surgical removal in December 2024.
On behalf of Ms Abu-Izneid, the ACIJ has pressed the Australian government to secure accountability and redress for the serious and life-altering injuries she has sustained.
Acting Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, Ms Lara Khider said:
“It is deeply regrettable that the Australian government has failed to meaningfully address the concerns and requests raised on behalf of our client, Ranem Abu-Izneid, a 20 year old Australian citizen left blind in one eye following a shooting that we allege involved the Israeli Border Police.”
“We requested a thorough and transparent investigation into the unlawful attack, as well as reasonable reparations in light of Ranem’s now permanent disability. It is alarming that despite five months having passed since the attack, neither Australia nor Israeli authorities have publicly acknowledged the incident or made an announcement on the commencement of an investigation. We were informed by the Australian government four months after the incident that an investigation had been commenced by the Israeli authorities, though no updates, timeline or findings of this investigation have been provided to Ranem. There must now be doubts—indeed, severe doubts—as to whether this investigation is taking place at all and whether it is genuine. This situation is made even more troubling by neither Israel nor Australia having taken any concrete steps to provide redress to Ranem.”
“Accountability cannot truly be achieved unless a thorough, independent, transparent and timely investigation takes place and prosecutorial actions are pursued for unlawful conduct, extending not only to direct perpetrators but also to those responsible within the chain of command.”
*also spelled Raneem
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For media enquiries contact the Australian Centre for International Justice at: info@acij.org.au or +61 (0)433 950 787.
