ASU SA+NT Branch Calls for Peace in Gaza

8 March 2024

On this International Women’s Day, we despair for the women and children of Palestine.

70% of casualties during Israel’s current military assault on Gaza, now amassing over 29,000 deaths in total, are women and children.

Systems for water, food, electricity, communications, and other basic survival needs have been severely curtailed or destroyed.

Women and children who have managed to survive the missile attacks, are now dying from malnutrition, dehydration and a lack of proper medical resources. There's little to no access to hygiene, medicine, prenatal and post-natal care, and period supplies. Miscarriages have increased by 300%. There are 1 million cases of infectious disease in Gaza.

Amidst this humanitarian catastrophe, global and Australian unions continue to issue strong calls for an urgent and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

The suspension of funding to UNRWA has reached a critical point, and famine has become a horrifying reality. It is estimated that over 30,000 people have been killed during this conflict 1.7 million people displaced.

We urge the Australian Government to reinstate the UNRWA funding, and ensure that international law is upheld and basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is guaranteed.

The ASU is proud to support Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA and APAN in their calls for peace.

On this International Women's Day, the ASU SA + NT Branch is making a donation to APHEDA. APHEDA partners with the MA’AN Development Center to deliver emergency relief aid in Palestine - including water, emergency kits, hot meals and psychological first aid supports.

If you want to support APHEDA's work in Palestine go to www.apheda.org.au