The first anniversary of the 7 October attacks has laid bare the deep divisions in Australian politics over the Israel-Gaza war, with senior leaders issuing starkly different statements on Monday.
The Labor government reiterated its unequivocal condemnation of the Hamas-led attacks, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, while also acknowledging the 'devastating' loss of civilian lives over the past year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, attending a Melbourne vigil, condemned the 'brutality that was inflicted with cold calculation' and expressed sympathy for hostage families.
In contrast, the Coalition offered emphatic support for Israel. Opposition leader Peter Dutton stated, 'The Coalition stands with our ally Israel – rather than treating her like an adversary.' Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told a pro-Israel rally that Australia 'should not be calling for ceasefire' every time Israel exercises self-defence.
The Greens condemned the 7 October attacks but also called out 'war crimes and genocide' by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon. Independent senator Fatima Payman, who quit Labor over Palestine recognition, said 'the bloodshed of any human being is against the core principles of my identity.'
Former prime minister Tony Abbott described 7 October as 'the worst catastrophe to befall Jewish people since the Holocaust' and called for the destruction of Hamas. Labor MP Josh Burns noted 'so much loss over the past year,' urging compassion for all victims.
At least 41,870 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel's military response, according to the territory's health authorities. The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has said there are 'reasonable grounds to believe' senior Israeli and Hamas leaders are responsible for alleged war crimes.
