Israel’s impunity in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, with the backing of United States President Donald Trump, triggered more pro-Palestine protests across Australia over the weekend of April 6–7.
The occupying army’s killing of Red Crescent medics in Gaza on March 23 is yet more evidence of its direct targeting of humanitarian workers.
Palestine Red Crescent Society released footage showing its colleagues entering the area of al-Hashaashin in the early hours and coming under fire. Three ambulances were sent to help the injured, but shortly after Red Crescent “lost contact”, Al Jazeera reported.
One survivor said the Israeli army killed both of the crew in his ambulance. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories had been trying to reach the site, but its access was blocked for five days.
The remains of eight paramedics from the Palestinian Red Crescent, six Gaza civil defence workers and one United Nations official were found on April 6, along with their vehicles, in a shallow grave.
Calls are growing for an independent investigation into the killings, including from Labor’s foreign minister Penny Wong, currently facing an election where many have decided Australia’s lack of action over Israel’s war is a critical factor in which way they will vote.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is trying to argue that it did not stuff up by sending its plan to bomb Yemen’s Houthis, via Signal, to a major media outlet.
The US is targeting Houthis because they set up a naval blockade of ships in the Red Sea maritime corridor. They halted it when the Gaza ceasefire took effect in January, only resuming when Israel began to block aid back into Gaza and broke the ceasefire.
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A speaker from Nurses and Midwives for Palestine told the rally in Gadigal Country/Sydney on April 6 that Israel “can’t bury the truth” about its latest massacres of Red Crescent paramedics, emergency and aid workers in Gaza, reports Peter Boyle.
“They were found buried in their uniforms, hands held behind their back, executed… This is a war crime,” they said.
“Israel tried to hide the evidence … but they can’t bury the truth because we are out here bearing witness, telling the truth.
“At least 1200 healthcare workers have been murdered in Gaza and thousands more injured.”
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Later that day, about 200 people joined a protest at Paul Keating Park in Bankstown in Western Sydney, reports Paula Sanchez.
There were emotional speeches from members of the Muslim and Palestinian communities, as well as NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi and independent candidates in the elections.
The protest marched around the Bankstown streets around the shopping centre, attracting people and drivers who supported by honking loudly.
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About 50 people attended a snap action in Magan-djin/Brisbane called by Justice for Palestine Magan-djin (JFPM) on April 3 in response to the Israeli massacre of medical workers.
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The day prior, JFPM held a public organising meeting about the campaign for free speech, including in the university sector. It promoted the People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine.
The meeting discussed the Vote for Palestine campaign and participation in the Labour Day rally. The Queensland Council of Unions tried to prevent people from carrying Palestinian flags during parts of last year’s parade.
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Susan Price reports that protests continue in Kombumerri/Gold Coast in solidarity with the people of Gaza and the West Bank and against Israel’s genocidal war.
The latest, held on April 5, attracted families, holiday-makers and regulars who marched down the Esplanade and into the mall on Caville Avenue, and into the heart of Surfers Paradise.
In between the monthly protests, activists are picketing Caltex service stations to draw attention to the corporation’s ties to the Israeli occupation. They are also supporting pickets at Ferra against the company’s role in manufacturing parts for the F-35 jet fighters bombing Palestinian civilians.
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Lots of drivers tooted in support of Palestine at the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network-organised weekly Peak Hour for Peace in Palestine action on April 4 in Djilang/Geelong.
Thousands of protesters marched in solidarity with the first responders and healthcare workers in Gaza as Naarm/Melbourne returned to weekly Palestine rallies, Jordan AK reports.
Uncle Robbie Thorpe told the rally: “We stand in solidarity with Palestine ... as long as I can remember... more than 50 years...you can’t stop fighting when you see genocide.”
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Thorpe drew parallels between Israel's occupation and slaughter of Palestinians with the colonial dispossession and genocide of Australian First Nations peoples, including murder and rape.
An emergency care nurse told the rally that Israel’s execution of emergency response workers was a war crime. The uncovering of mass graves with 15 bodies “still wearing their uniforms ... many still wearing the gloves they put on to treat their patients” is a “profound violation of human dignity”.
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Unionists for Palestine WA held a successful screening of Palestinians Don’t Need Sidewalks, the new film by Dare to Struggle Films, at the Boorloo Activist Centre in Boorloo/Perth on April 4.
A large crowd came to watch the documentary on the Palestinian struggle for self-determination. Funds were raised for Hebron Human Rights Defenders.
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