Nurses and midwives across Australia are uniting in solidarity with their colleagues working in the most dangerous of circumstances in conflict zones. 

The most devastating consequences are being felt in Gaza, where the health system has virtually collapsed. Most hospitals have been destroyed or forced to close, access to essential supplies is blocked, and critical infrastructure has been decimated.

Australian emergency nurse Jean-Philippe Miller, who has been deployed to Gaza three times with the Australian Red Cross since early 2024, has witnessed the crisis deepen with each mission. 

He said Gaza was the most dangerous place he had ever worked. In his last deployment, 15 medical and humanitarian personnel were brutally killed.

“We’ve lost ICRC staff and Palestinian Red Crescent volunteers. It’s incredibly distressing — these are people risking their lives to support others.”

A movement of solidarity

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is taking a stand against the atrocities targeting healthcare workers and facilities. 

Through the Nurses and Midwives for Peace campaign, nurses, midwives, and community members across Australia are showing their solidarity with colleagues on the frontlines in Gaza by signing an open letter and sharing heartfelt messages of support. 

These messages are being compiled and will be delivered via the Australian Red Cross to ensure health workers under fire know they are not alone.

Hundreds of nurses and midwives have already signed the letter and left messages of compassion and solidarity. 

“I am proud to stand with you and call you, my colleagues. Sending strength and courage to you all,” said one signatory. 

“Thank you for your courage and sacrifice for supporting and caring for those whose need is the greatest,” said another.

“You are a shining light in this madness, cruelty and injustice. I cannot imagine the heartache and trauma your work is there. We have so much admiration and respect for what you’re doing and we send our love and thoughts to you and all in your care. Stay strong,” another said in heartfelt support. 

Beyond words: a call to action

The campaign also includes a dedicated website with resources, a national social media push, and the launch of a petition calling for greater protection of healthcare in conflict. The petition will urge the Australian Government to condemn attacks on health, call for ceasefires, ensure safe humanitarian access, and demand accountability for those who breach international humanitarian law.

“As nurses and midwives in Australia, we may be far from the frontlines, but we are not powerless,” said ANMF Secretary Annie Butler.

“We are part of a global community committed to care, and we stand with our colleagues who risk their lives to uphold the values we all share-  compassion, courage, and care without discrimination. By standing in solidarity, we send a powerful message: we see you, we hear you, and we will not be silent.”

Messages on their way
The messages of peace and solidarity gathered from across Australia will be passed on to the Red Cross for delivery to frontline health workers. They carry with them strength, recognition, and hope — a reminder that the world is watching and standing beside them.