Tuesday, 31 October 2023

 Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (13:42): I rise to offer my prayers, thoughts and condolences to the communities of Israel and Palestine. I begin by standing in solidarity with the Victorian Parliament’s motion of 17 October, which unequivocally condemned the heinous acts by Hamas on 7 October, which resulted in over 200 Israelis being taken hostage and at least 1400 innocent Israeli lives being indiscriminately taken – the single largest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. In doing so, I also stand to draw the house’s attention to the unfolding events currently taking place in Gaza.

The profound suffering being experienced by innocent civilians alike as a result of the escalating military actions, which according to the United Nations have tragically resulted in more than 7000 Palestinians being killed, including a reported 3000 children, and a further 20,000 Palestinians reported to have been injured, including over 6300 children. The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants are now reported to be largely displaced, with little to no access to food, water, energy, health care and sanitation. This unfolding humanitarian disaster continues to break my heart and the hearts of all Victorians.

All lives are precious, be it the tragic loss of innocent Israeli lives or the loss of innocent Palestinian lives. I acknowledge the immense pain, trauma and suffering being experienced by Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities who have families and loved ones in Israel, Gaza and neighbouring territories.

Victoria is a vibrant multicultural state where our diversity is our strength and where international events have seldom impacted social cohesion. Locally everyone should be able to feel safe and there should never be any room for hateful prejudice from antisemitism or Islamophobia. As the member for Pascoe Vale, which includes parts of Brunswick West and Coburg, I want to make it very clear that I stand with every member of my community who has been impacted by these events.