MEDIA RELEASES

AIJAC unequivocally condemns brutal Hamas attacks on Israel, expresses solidarity with the Israeli people

Oct 7, 2023 | AIJAC

A map of the hundreds of rocket attacks launched against Israel this morning.
A map of the hundreds of rocket attacks launched against Israel this morning.

(While we would normally refrain from making any statement on a Jewish holiday, we feel that we cannot remain silent in the face of the appalling, widespread attacks taking place in Israel, and an exception had to be made.)

 

The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) unequivocally condemned the vicious and unprovoked surprise coordinated armed attacks on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas today and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel.

Starting shortly after 6.30am local time, Hamas terrorists in Gaza subjected the centre and south of Israel, including areas around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, to a constant barrage of intense rocket fire.

Shortly after the barrage commenced, groups of Hamas terrorists infiltrated the Gaza border in various places, entering Israeli towns and kibbutzim, and there are reports of numerous casualties and hostages.

AIJAC Executive Director Dr Colin Rubenstein said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel, as they resist this barbaric and unprovoked attack, on a Jewish holy day. Our deepest sympathies go to the families of those murdered by Hamas. We fervently hope the attackers will be speedily repelled and for the safe return of all hostages and a speedy recovery for those wounded.”

Dr Rubenstein rejected claims by Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif that the attack was related to “the desecration of the al-Aqsa Mosque” and described this as a “feeble pretext”, saying the real reason is far more likely to be Hamas’ concern at progress being made in peace talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

“Any prospect of peace is anathema to Hamas and the rogue Iranian regime which sponsors, arms and directs it.

“This indiscriminate, targeting of Israeli civilians with rocket fire, and by squads of armed terrorists is a blatant war crime, with no justification whatsoever.

“We trust that the international community will unreservedly condemn this brutal act of wanton terrorism against Israeli civilians by Hamas, and will fully support Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens,” Dr Rubenstein added.

RELATED ARTICLES


United Nations General Assembly Hall (2)

AIJAC deeply concerned by Australia’s latest UN votes

Nov 14, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC frustrated and shocked at ABC Ombudsman’s rejection of complaint against an “open and shut” case of factual error

Nov 4, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
UNRWA headquarters in Gaza (Image: Anas Mohammed/ Shutterstock)

AIJAC statement on passage of Israeli legislation to ban UNRWA

Oct 29, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases
Professor Yehuda Bauer (Image: Stephan Röhl/ Creative Commons)

AIJAC mourns towering Holocaust scholar Yehuda Bauer

Oct 23, 2024 | Media Releases
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar speaks in Gaza city (Image: Abed Rahim Khatib/ Shutterstock)

Statement on the death of Hamas terror mastermind Yahya Sinwar

Oct 18, 2024 | Media Releases
Image: Shutterstock

AIJAC welcomes new Iran missile sanctions, but calls for more coordination with allies

Oct 15, 2024 | Featured, Media Releases

RECENT POSTS

United Nations General Assembly Hall (2)

AIJAC deeply concerned by Australia’s latest UN votes

French UNIFIL troops on patrol in southern Lebanon in April 2015 (image: Sebastian Castelier/ Shutterstock)

UNIFIL, the LAF and myths about Lebanese sovereignty

GbVvR9GWgAAfPGb (1)

“Backbone”? UNRWA delivers just 13% of the aid in Gaza

UNRWA headquarters in Gaza (Image: Anas Mohammed/ Shutterstock)

Global community incensed by Israel’s banning of UNRWA should consider its ugly history

The sentiment is clear on the streets of Kuala Lumpur (Image: Shutterstock)

Malaysia’s recalcitrant antisemitism

United Nations General Assembly Hall (2)

AIJAC deeply concerned by Australia’s latest UN votes

French UNIFIL troops on patrol in southern Lebanon in April 2015 (image: Sebastian Castelier/ Shutterstock)

UNIFIL, the LAF and myths about Lebanese sovereignty

GbVvR9GWgAAfPGb (1)

“Backbone”? UNRWA delivers just 13% of the aid in Gaza

UNRWA headquarters in Gaza (Image: Anas Mohammed/ Shutterstock)

Global community incensed by Israel’s banning of UNRWA should consider its ugly history

The sentiment is clear on the streets of Kuala Lumpur (Image: Shutterstock)

Malaysia’s recalcitrant antisemitism

SORT BY TOPICS