Anthony Albanese has marked the third anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel by honouring the 1,200 people killed and the 250 hostages taken, while reaffirming Australia’s opposition to antisemitism, racism and Hamas.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said the attack had caused “devastation” and represented the largest loss of Jewish life on a single day since the Holocaust. He remembered those who were taken captive, those who never returned to their families and the people left permanently scarred by their experiences.
Mr Albanese also paid tribute to the families who endured agonising uncertainty while waiting for news of loved ones held hostage. He mourned Australian Galit Carbone and expressed his sympathy to her family.
“We solemnly vow to never forget what the terrorists perpetrated in all their cruelty,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the targeting of young people at a music festival promoting friendship, love and freedom had sent a clear message that Hamas stood opposed to humanity.
He acknowledged that anniversaries could bring a renewed weight of grief, adding that the pain for many people had been compounded by the approaching first anniversary of what he described as the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach.
“Australia stands with the Jewish community here and across the world,” Mr Albanese said, while condemning antisemitism and racism in all their forms.
He said Hamas must disarm and have no role in Palestine’s future, as the Australian Government continued to push for implementation of the Gaza peace plan to end the conflict and the suffering and loss of civilian life.
Mr Albanese said Australia welcomed genuine efforts towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on Israel and Palestine living side by side within internationally recognised borders, in peace and security.
He described that outcome as “the greatest victory of humanity over hatred” and said it was the future Australia must work towards together.
