The latest attacks on civilians and threats for humanitarian personnel in Gaza came amid tense protests in Melbourne this week outside the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, where defence companies from around the world are showcasing their latest designs in weapons and technology.
Melbourne Activist Legal Support (MALS), volunteers who attend rallies as legal observers, warned that “grossly excessive policing of protesters likely infringed on human rights”.
The activists are protesting the use of such weapons – in particular, allegations of use against Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Dr Jenny Grounds, a country GP and executive member of the Medical Association for Prevention of War Australia, has helped organise a vigil for Palestine as part of the Disrupt Land Forces activities, to acknowledge “the suffering of millions, the deaths of tens of thousands and the mutilation, starvation and orphaning of thousands more children”.
As a health practitioner and peace activist, she is supporting the Melbourne protests aimed at an arms industry that is “all about profit at the expense of human lives and environmental destruction”.