13 November 2023, Health & Community Services Union

The Health and Community Services Union grieves for the lives lost and innocent individuals injured in the renewed and escalating violence in Israel and Palestine. Our thoughts are with those currently enduring the immense suffering of war. 

We stand with all Australians with friends and family who have been devastated and deeply distressed by the unfolding events. We acknowledge the unimaginable impact this has had on those in our community living with trauma, both personal and generational.

We condemn all acts of violence, including terror against civilians; violence and deprivation based on nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion; the killing and forcible displacement of civilians; torture in all its forms; the taking of hostages; attacking civilian infrastructure including healthcare facilities; the denial of humanitarian aid, and essentials such as food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity; and all forms of war. 

In particular, we express deep concern for the wellbeing of people with disabilities, mental ill-health, and neurodivergencies, who are disproportionately impacted by conflict. The heightened challenges they face in accessing essential services and support during times of violence demand urgent attention and action.

In line with the ACTU, we echo the calls to exercise all avenues of diplomacy for an immediate ceasefire. 

We condemn those supporting the violent terrorising of civilians and those advocating for escalation, retaliation, and the commission of crimes against humanity or other war crimes. We defend the protection of all cultures and peoples, emphasising their right to live peacefully, free from fear, deprivation, dispossession, and attack.  

We urge the international community to implore both Israel and Hamas to work towards peace and promote de-escalation. 

HACSU reiterates the position of the World Health Organisation, calling for an immediate ceasefire and emphasising the urgent need to protect all health workers, patients, health transport, and health facilities.  

We urge the international community to stand in solidarity with healthcare workers in Gaza & demand the immediate cessation of the deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities.

Source: HACSU

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[With thanks to S. Missen for her work collating statements ~ auspal.]