Friday 24 November 2023
It is almost impossible not to be aware of the horrific situation that has escalated in Gaza over the past month and a half. This week the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association (CPSU/CSA) Council adopted a resolution in support of the Australian Council of Trade Union’s statement, which calls for the Australian Government to, “exercise all avenues of diplomacy to stop the bombing and ground assault by Israel into Gaza and call for an immediate ceasefire.”
The CPSU/CSA joins the ACTU in condemning the attacks on civilians, with Al Jazeera reporting that 1,200 Israelis and 14,100 Palestinians have been killed, including over 5,500 children. The CPSU/CSA notes that whilst the four-day ceasefire agreement reached on Wednesday is a positive development, it is temporary. The latest escalation of violence is part of a decades-long conflict that must be brought to a just outcome through dialogue and respect for international law, including human rights.
There are a number of practical ways in which we can lend our voices to the call for a permanent ceasefire. These include participation in in-person events (e.g. vigils, rallies, etc.) and online initiatives (e.g. sharing social media content, signing and sharing Parliamentary petitions, writing to Federal Government MPs).
APHEDA: Union Aid Abroad is running a Gaza Emergency Appeal to support their partner organisation, MA'AN Development Center, to work with local organisations to provide access to water, food, medical supplies and shelter; psychosocial support for families and individuals; and dignity and hygiene kits for displaced people.
We encourage you to give what you can - be it your time, your presence or a donation - in pursuit of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Rikki Hendon, Branch Secretary
Melanie Bray, Branch Assistant Secretary
