Peace vigil mourns lives lost

FRIENDS of Palestine-Torquay held a vigil for Gaza last week on the Cosy Corner foreshore where speakers called for peace and an immediate ceasefire.

A minute of silence was held to mourn and honour all the lives lost in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Greens MLC for Western Victoria Dr Sarah Mansfield said while she could not attend in person during a parliamentary sitting week it was still front of mind.

“There are few parts of our community not affected in some way by the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” Dr Mansfield said.

“My heart breaks for those who have lost loved ones through the indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the premeditated targeting of Israeli civilians by Hamas. Every human life matters.

“As a doctor, it’s difficult for me to even begin to comprehend the scale of human suffering, and the situation the hospitals in Gaza are facing.”

 

Dr Mansfield said Governments must take action now to stop further bloodshed.

“The Greens are calling for an immediate ceasefire, and for all governments to work towards a lasting and just peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Vigils for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians impacted by the conflict between Hamas and Israel have been held around the country since the outbreak of war on October 7 when Hamas massacred approximately 1200 mainly civilians and took almost 240 hostages.

A petition titled “Corangamite Electorate Stands for Peace and a Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” has gained over 700 signatures.

So far, more than 120,000 Australians have signed Change.org petitions calling for a ceasefire and more than one million signatures have been gathered globally.