Statement on Gaza

Wyndham Park Community Centre would like to join leading international NGOs in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We believe that every child’s life is sacred and should be protected by any means possible. No atrocity from one side or another can ever justify the mass killing of civilians.

Our organisation recognises the rulings of the International Court of Justice. Including the order for Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah and to withdraw from this city. Israeli airstrikes have already killed 100s of displaced civilians in “safe areas”. Collectively punishing civilians by denying them adequate shelter, food, clean water and other essentials needed for their survival are grave breaches of International Humanitarian Law and must stop. In line with this ruling WPCC joins hundreds of public servants and political representatives who call on Australia and its allies to cease all military exports to Israel.

We recognise and applaud the work of organisations like UNHCR, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, World Central Kitchen and many more. More than 200 aid workers have been killed in this conflict. Their ongoing bravery is a testament to their compassion. We call for all aid and humanitarian workers to be given appropriate passage and protection.

Finally, WPCC would like to reiterate its commitment to inclusion and diversity. Values held not only by WPCC, but also by many within our community. We reach out to people in this country directly affected by events in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Israel. We stand with those who condemn crimes against humanity and civilian killings and firmly believe that silence at such times would also be a statement contrary to our values.