PERTH UNIONISTS HOLD 24-HOUR HUNGER STRIKE FOR PALESTINE
By TANGIORA HINAKI AND ASAD KHAN
A group of unionists and community activists in Perth are taking part in a 24-hour hunger strike to raise awareness and support for Palestinians enduring famine and conflict in Gaza.
From midday Friday to midday Saturday, the action is taking place at Murray Street Mall in Boorloo (Perth), under the pedestrian overpass near Forrest Place.
Supporting Emergency Aid to Gaza
The event is part of a fundraising effort for Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s Emergency Appeal for the Palestinian People, with donations directed to the MA’AN Development Center, a local organisation delivering critical services in Gaza.
“A Televised Genocide”
Organiser Vinnie Molina said the group is deeply distressed by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hopes the hunger strike will draw public attention to what he described as “a televised genocide”.
“The usage of starvation as a weapon of war, it really breaks our hearts to see young children, women, elderly being starved to death,” he said.
“We thought it symbolic to go fasting for 24 hours compared to what these people have faced.”
Essential Services Under Fire
The MA’AN Development Center provides emergency relief including clean water, locally grown food, sanitation services, education support and shelter.
APHEDA says the need is urgent, as conditions on the ground deteriorate and aid distribution is obstructed by violence.
Calls for Government Action
Mr Molina said the action is also a call to the Australian Government to take a stronger stance on the conflict.
“The Australian government should cut political and military ties with Israel to show the leadership that we stand for peace,” he said.
“Palestine deserves to be recognised as a state, and the occupation must end. That’s the root of the crisis.”
As part of the broader Palestine solidarity movement, union support has been growing, he said, with representatives from the trade union movement joining rallies and community events in recent weeks.
“The involvement of unions carries weight. It shows that working people are not silent,”
“The people on the streets are powerful, and governments need to listen.”
Demand for Accountability
He expressed frustration at the lack of engagement from government leaders, citing unanswered correspondence sent to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
“Politicians have to listen to the people who elected them. They should be accountable and act now to recognise Palestine and help end the violence.”
Appeal for Recognition and Ceasefire
More than 180 countries have formally recognised Palestine. The hunger strike organisers are urging Australia to join them and help push for a political solution, including a permanent ceasefire and the implementation of UN resolutions.
How to Support
Donations to the appeal can be made via the Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA website.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki speak with Vinnie Molina: