Supporting communities affected by the crisis in the Middle East

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The Australian Red Cross has published a new page on their website outlining resources and support for individuals, families and communities impacted by the ongoing crisis in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This includes links to emergency relief support, resources on how to look after yourself and supporting others as well as information on how to utilise their Restoring Family Links services.


The Victorian Refugee Health Network recognises the recent atrocities that have occurred in Israel and that continue to occur within the Occupied Territories of Palestine including Gaza and the West Bank. These events are inflicting enduring and devastating humanitarian consequences including extensive suffering, loss of life and widespread trauma.

On the 6th December, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, invoked Article 99 due to the “existing threats to the maintenance of international peace and security” in the regions. He stated that “More than 8 weeks of hostilities in Gaza and Israel have created appalling suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory”. On 7th October more than 1200 people were killed in Israel, thousands injured, an estimated 250 people abducted, with more than 100 still captive. At the time this communication was issued it was reported that as a result of Israel’s military operation in Gaza “more than 15,000 people have reportedly been killed, over 40 per cent of whom were children. Thousands of others have been injured.” The constant bombardment by Israel’s Defence Forces in Gaza is having devastating impacts including the significant number of civilian casualties, the displacement of over 80% of the population of 2.2 million civilians and has rendered humanitarian assistance impossible. Guterres also reported that hospitals in Gaza are being “turned into battlegrounds.” These figures have since increased since the date this letter was written, and the situation is being described as a humanitarian catastrophe.

The Network aims to build trust and confidence, promote the safety, health, and wellbeing of the community through being accountable to all people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds and advocate for the needs of the community.

In any conflict, under International Humanitarian Law, the protection of civilians is paramount. The protection of hospital and health facilities are also mandated under these laws. In line with our values, the Network supports the call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to protect civilians from escalating violence, to lift the blockade so that permanent humanitarian aid is accessible in Gaza and for all parties to ensure the safe release of all hostages.

The Australian Commonwealth government has announced that Palestinians and Israelis have been granted ‘temporary visas’ to Australia. The Victorian Refugee Health Network has been coordinating a meeting with the refugee, community and health sector to help coordinate services and identify and respond to health issues and emerging needs for this group of arrivals in Victoria.

In Victoria, there are many communities who are understandably distressed by these international events.

Please find below some resources that are available and may be suitable during this time:

The Australian Commonwealth government has announced that Palestinians and Israelis have been granted ‘temporary visas’ to Australia. The Victorian Refugee Health Network has been coordinating a meeting with the refugee, community and health sector to help coordinate services and identify and respond to health issues and emerging needs for this group of arrivals in Victoria.

In Victoria, there are many communities who are understandably distressed by these international events.

Please find below some resources that are available and may be suitable during this time:

If you, your community or other organisations have any further queries or would like to share more resources related to health for recent arrivals, please contact refugeehealth@foundationhouse.org.au

 

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