The attacks on 07 October 2023 by Hamas is exactly the reason why Hamas is and must continue to be considered a Terrorist Organisation in Australia.  I acknowledge the arguments put forward about the political issues in Palestine, however, the attack on innocent civilians is unacceptable and was always going to end up in an escalation and war, where the Palestinian civilians were going to pay for Hamas’ agenda.

Whilst retaliation was always going to happen, Israel is responsible for their actions.  Israel promoted the prosecution of war criminals from World War 2 – and rightly so.  If the Israeli government has embarked on actions that amount to a war crime, then it is only right that those responsible for the attacks face the same scrutiny.

I am also concerned that the expansion of the illegal settlements in the West Bank, which sees Palestinian people displaced and killed to ensure that these illegal settlements are developed, expanded and maintained, must be considered as terrorist acts by those involved.  These are not acts of war but acts of terrorism.

Antisemitism and Islamophobic behaviours

I absolutely condemn any actions and behaviours that occur because of a person’s religion.  I support the recent ‘hate crimes’ legislation.  Australia needs to have a strong view and fully oppose hate crimes.  Any non-citizen or non-resident of Australia that engages in hate crimes, regardless of which side of the debate that they are involved with should be deported upon finding of guilt.

It is however important to note that a person protesting the actions of a foreign government/organisation such as protesting against the actions of the Israeli Government or against Hamas are not Antisemitic or Islamophobic, it is protesting the behaviours of a Government.