Unions in Australia have expressed their support for Palestine and called for an immediate suspension of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The open letter, signed by hundreds of representatives and members of Australian unions, was released by the Sydney branch of the Maritime Union of Australia. The unions stated that they were horrified by the war and its devastating consequences. They emphasized that the war contradicted their values of peace, justice, and solidarity with working people.
The letter called for both sides to halt all hostile actions and lift the blockade of Gaza. It demanded that Gaza be provided with essential supplies, including food, medicine, fuel, and humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the letter attributed the conflict to Israel’s blockade and siege of Gaza, as well as its apartheid and ethnic cleansing policies. It called for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian land and the practices of apartheid and ethnic cleansing.
While the open letter strongly supported Palestine, it did not mention or condemn the behavior of Hamas, which initiated the conflict. The letter also urged the government and police to facilitate demonstrations supporting Palestine across Australia, asserting that the union movement would not accept any political restrictions on the right to protest.
The response from the Jewish community was critical of the open letter. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, regarded it as propaganda by “old anti-Israel activists” and believed it tarnished the union movement. The Australian Jewish Association also criticized the representatives and members of the unions who signed the open letter.
The Israel-Hamas war has entered its 13th day and has become the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides. The Israeli government reported over 1,400 Israeli casualties, while Hamas claimed that over 3,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed. The conflict has also led to the capture of 203 civilians, including children, by Hamas. Israel’s defense minister has instructed troops to prepare for a ground invasion of Gaza.