Wednesday, 18 October 2023

 Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (10:02): I grieve for the 1400 Israelis and 2800 Palestinians, and more overnight, who have died and all civilians affected by the violence in Israel and Palestine. I unequivocally condemn the atrocious terrorist acts carried out by Hamas. I also condemn the killing and targeting of civilians, Israeli and Palestinian alike. We have all seen pictures of the barbarity of war over the past week: mothers separated from their children, fathers crying over the dead bodies of their families. My heart breaks thinking about the terror, suffering, uncertainty, displacement and unimaginable grief that continues to unfold for millions in the region.

I share the concern of the UN about the blockades and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and I welcome the relief efforts that have been announced by the UN, the World Health Organization and the EU. I call for the unconditional release of all hostages being held by Hamas. I also call for the immediate protection of civilian lives and human rights. I acknowledge the immense trauma of our local communities who have families and loved ones in both Israel and Palestine and urge us all to remember that Victoria is a state where our diversity is our strength, where everyone should be able to feel safe and where hateful prejudice will not be tolerated.