Israel’s prime minister has accused the Australian government of fostering an environment that has encouraged anti-Semitism in the months preceding the Bondi Beach terror attack. Benjamin Netanyahu said he had written to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year, warning that recognising a Palestinian state would, in his view, « pour fuel on the anti-Semitic fire ». He also said, « history will not forgive hesitation and weakness ».
At least 12 people were killed, including one of the attackers shot dead by police, and 29 others were injured when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney earlier today. Following the shooting, Netanyahu said: « It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets. »
Albanese described the attack at Bondi Beach as « evil… beyond comprehension », but Jewish leaders have criticised his government for failing to address what they say is a rising tide of anti-Semitism.
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81% of the international community. Palestine is also recognised by the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN non-member observer status.
Authorities also said that far more people would have been killed if a bystander, identified by local media as fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, had not charged a gunman from behind, who grappled with him and wrestled the weapon from the attacker’s hand.
In his speech, Netanyahu described Al-Ahmed as a « brave Muslim man » who tackled one of the gunmen and disarmed him.
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