Since December 2023, a committed group of Victorian nurses and midwives has gathered every Sunday in Melbourne to protest in solidarity with Palestinian healthcare workers impacted by the ongoing destruction in Gaza.

Tragically, more than 1,200 healthcare workers in Palestine have lost their lives, and over 384 are currently illegally detained in Israeli prisons.

The group aims to amplify the voices of those most affected, particularly Gaza’s nurses and midwives.

“As long as Gaza is under rubble, we will be on the streets,” says nurse practitioner Matiu.

“We as nurses don’t have access to boardrooms. We don’t have access to the floor of Parliament – but we have the streets. Our nursing values compel us to keep marching in solidarity with Gaza nurses and midwives. We’ll continue to do that, and to advocate for human rights.”

Matiu emphasises that the group’s focus remains on speaking up for human rights, respect for international law, and condemning the genocide.

Last December, an Amnesty International report titled, ‘You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza since the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023.

The group also collaborates with organisations such as the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA) and Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) to support Palestinians in need. Their message is clear: children, nurses, patients, healthcare workers and hospitals should never be targeted.

Matiu believes nurses have an ethical and social justice responsibility to advocate for the health and safety of healthcare workers worldwide.

“I can’t watch children suffering in Gaza on my phone and the first televised genocide and carry on business as usual,” he says.

The ANMF (Federal Office) has publicly condemned the Middle East conflict and continues to support an enduring ceasefire.

Nurse and group member Gabrielle points out that many nurses and midwives feel a strong connection with healthcare workers in Palestine who continue to carry out their duties, despite the risks.

“The structural destruction of the health system is something people can relate to,” she says.

“Even if they’re not sure which side to support or they’re sitting on the fence about the very complex situation, they see the healthcare workers being murdered, they see the hospitals being bombed and they have a reaction and can relate to that.”

Nurse Sally, motivated by past experience working in a conflict zone where many nurses were kidnapped, lost their lives, and clinics bombed, highlights the need to support healthcare workers in Palestine.

“These are nurses, too, and they deserve to be represented,” she says.

“If I had been killed or detained, I would have wanted someone to support me.”

Diabetes educator and refugee nurse educator Rachel, who has Palestinian family and has worked with refugees, also continues to support the cause.

“I’ve seen the results of people who have had to leave their country, and it’s not good.”

Across the country, Pro-Palestinian protests organised by healthcare workers continue to draw thousands each weekend. These nurses remain clear that supporting healthcare workers in Palestine does not condone Hamas or any form of racism or antisemitism.

The nurses and midwives for Palestine group encourages all nurses and midwives to learn more about the issue and consider joining the movement.

Find out more here https://www.instagram.com/anmfvic4p/

anmfvic4p and support https://www.panzma.org/ and https://para.org.au/