The Australian federal government is seeking to confirm the welfare of its citizens affected by the militant group Hamas in Israel.
According to local media, the death toll in the country’s south has risen to at least 700, including children and 44 soldiers, causing significant turmoil in the region.
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On today’s episode of The Briefing Ali Hashem, a journalist with Al Jazeera, joined Tom Tilley and Katrina Blowers to explain what Hamas’ motivation may be, what Israel’s reaction may look like and whether this conflict could spread across the region.
Israel has not yet released an official death toll, but it is clear that the situation is dire, with Hamas also taking multiple hostages and thousands believed to be injured.
Hamas fighters launched a deadly incursion into Israeli towns over the weekend, marking the deadliest assault on Israel since the Yom Kippur War half a century ago when Egypt and Syria launched attacks.
“Now everyone is waiting to see whether this is going to be a huge war just like two thousand fourteen or twenty twenty one. And what’s the end game?” The Briefing hosts asked.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the attacks as “abhorrent” and reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself.
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He said that the Foreign Affairs Department is working tirelessly to confirm the safety and welfare of Australian citizens caught up in the crisis.
“We don’t have any further information to announce at this point in time but obviously we are concerned, as is the whole world – this is a place where citizens of the world do gather,” he said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also strongly condemned the attacks and stressed that civilians should never be targeted.
“We unequivocally condemn the indiscriminate targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages,” she said.
Australians who are currently in Israel are urged to contact their families to reassure them of their safety during these challenging times.
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