Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has sparked controversy after calling on Israel to show ‘restraint’ following a devastating surprise attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by Australia, fired at least 3,500 rockets into Israel before gunmen stormed cities and killed, wounded or captured civilians during a major Jewish holiday on Saturday.
Israelite forces retaliated with airstrikes in Gaza, destroying many residential buildings.
The fighting has resulted in the death of more than 500 people, while thousands more have been injured.
Senator Wong was among many world leaders and diplomats who rushed to condemn the attack by Palestinian militants.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong (pictured) has been criticized by the opposition after calling on Israel to show ‘restraint’ following a devastating attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“Australia unequivocally condemns attacks on Israel by Hamas, including indiscriminate rocket fire on cities and civilians,” she wrote in X.
“We call for these attacks to stop and to recognize Israel’s right to defend itself.
“Australia urges exercise of restraint and protection of civilian life.”
But it was the last words in Senator Wong’s statement that drew the ire of Opposition Leader Michael Sukkar.
‘Unbelievable, content? Israel has every right to defend itself with whatever force is required,” he replied.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham also condemned the Hamas attack.
Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israel before armed militants stormed the cities on Saturday (pictured, people try to put out fires at cars after a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, southern Israel)
Israeli forces retaliated with airstrikes in Gaza, destroying numerous residential buildings (pictured, fire and smoke rise from buildings during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City)
Senator Wong was among many world leaders and diplomats who rushed to condemn the attack
“I strongly condemn Hamas for firing rockets indiscriminately into Israel and launching ground attacks killing Israeli civilians and soldiers,” he wrote.
“Israel has the right to defend itself against such terrorism. I call on all parties to protect innocent lives and work to end the violence.’
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said it was “another example of a deliberate act of violence aimed at inflicting maximum harm on innocent civilians”.
“The attack is a provocation. “Israel has every right to defend itself in response and to prevent future attacks and other acts of aggression, coercion and interference,” he said.
Dutton and Birmingham have backed a move to light up Parliament House and the Sydney Opera House in the blue and white of the Israeli flag as a show of support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the unprecedented attack and expressed support for Israel on Sunday.
“Australia stands with our friend Israel at this time,” he wrote in X.
“We condemn Hamas’ indiscriminate and despicable attacks on Israel, its cities and civilians. We recognize Israel’s right to defend itself.’
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) said it was “another example of a deliberate act of violence aimed at inflicting maximum harm on innocent civilians”.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) expressed support for Israel in a tweet on Sunday, but the Coalition was critical of the Prime Minister’s ‘late’ response to the attack.
But the Coalition was also critical of the prime minister’s timing, which came 12 hours after the initial attack.
Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley was the first to call out Mr. Albanian for his answer.
“It took until 6 o’clock this morning to make a public statement about it,” she told Sky News Australia on Sunday.
“You don’t rest as a world leader and across the globe, we saw an immediate reaction from world leaders…and it took until this morning for Anthony Albanese to make this statement.”
“I think he should be questioned about it today.”
“I’m questioning his timing…You don’t have a break.”
A man runs in the street as fires burn in Ashkelon, Israel, following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip by the Islamist militant group Hamas
A tower block in Gaza City is hit by an Israeli airstrike after Palestinian militants hit Israel
Israeli media have reported around 300 dead and more than 1,800 wounded from the Palestinian attack.
Israel’s response has killed at least 400 people in Gaza and injured around 1,700.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war after the initial rocket attacks on Saturday.
He said Israel would destroy Hamas’ capabilities, but also warned that ‘this war will take time. It will be difficult’.
The prime minister vowed that Hamas ‘will pay an unprecedented price’ for the attack.
“All the places where Hamas hides, from which it operates, we will turn into ruins,” he said.
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