Sunrise host Natalie Barr has had a heated discussion about the federal government’s failure to declare the October 7 attacks by Hamas in southern Israel an overseas terrorist act.
Ms Barr confronted Education Minister Jason Clare after it was revealed the Opposition wrote to the Prime Minister in December urging the Government to formally label the event a terror incident.
“We cannot underestimate that, but this is one of the worst terrorist attacks the world has ever seen. They came, they raped, they killed. Is this a mistake by your government?’ Barr wondered.
Mr Clare hit back, arguing that Labor had repeatedly condemned the October 7 massacre and indicated that Home Secretary Clare O’Neil was considering an official appointment.
“The Prime Minister called this a terrorist event and condemned it. You’ve heard me say that a number of times on this show,” the minister said.
Sunrise TV host Natalie Barr has had a fiery exchange over the October 7 Hamas attack. Image: Twitter
Pro-Israel supporters show solidarity with victims and hostages. Photo: Henry Nicholls/AFP.
‘The Minister of the Interior is currently investigating this. “I just don’t want us to confuse this with any argument that we don’t provide financial support to Jewish Australians… and Muslim Australians who are affected by it, because that’s certainly not true.”
It has been more than three months since Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages. Since Israeli forces declared war on the militant group, they have bombed the Gaza Strip, killing at least 24,600 people and wounding more than 60,000, according to Palestinian health officials.
The coalition has increased pressure on the Albanian government to declare the initial Hamas attacks a foreign terror event so Australians affected by the event can access financial assistance.
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley argued that the Prime Minister should “immediately” approve a formal direction to help victims.
“I don’t understand why it’s not appropriate, and I don’t think Jason can either. I don’t think he can make excuses for his Home Secretary. But his Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, must resolve this today,” she said.
The coalition has increased pressure on the Albanian government to declare the initial Hamas attacks an overseas terror event so Australians affected by the event can access financial support.
Anthony Albanese stated on ABC Radio Sydney that Australian support for the existence of the State of Israel was “completely unconditional.”
‘Our position is very clear. “We want a long-term political solution here, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security,” he said.
“One of the things I’m concerned about is the disruption of our harmonious society and I don’t want people to bring part of that conflict here.”
Albanese’s comments came after Foreign Minister Penny Wong wrapped up a three-day diplomatic tour of the Middle East, where she held talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials.