WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 8: A woman writes "We Stand with Israel" on a poster during a rally outside of the Israeli Embassy on October 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza by land, sea, and air, killing hundreds of people and wounding thousands more. Israeli soldiers and civilians have also been kidnapped by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to published reports. The attack prompted a declaration of war by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and ongoing retaliatory strikes by Israel on Gaza killing hundreds.
On Monday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked for "restraint" to protect civilians in the Gaza Conflict.
Hundreds of people were killed in Gaza, which has become a real concern for the Australian prime minister. According to Albanese, the deaths of innocent civilians in Gaza create terror and are a form of discrimination.
Australia Extends Sympathy for Israel
Albanese blamed Hamas for the aimless attack, leading to the death of the civilians in Gaza. The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, also shared her sentiments about the Gaza conflict and showed her support for Israel's right to defend itself.
"Australia's thoughts are with those lost, those injured, those taken hostage, and all their loved ones," Wong told the reporters in Adelaide, as per The Guardian.
Wong advised all parties to protect civilians, especially children, not just those attacked. Primarily, Wong suggested not to travel and be near Gaza's borders.
Read Also: Bowie State University Shooting: Maryland Incident Leaves 2 Injured
Casualties in Gaza Conflict
According to CTV Bordforen, the death toll in Israel has reached more than 1,100 after a shocking Hamas attack. Most people who died from the attack were militants, and the rest were innocent civilians. Albanese revealed that non-Israeli citizens were kidnapped as different nations frequently visited Israel.
Wong checked the Australians who might be hospitalized and injured in the affected areas. But, there was still no information on whether there were Australian victims.
Israel has also broken off electricity and fuel supplies to Gaza, putting their current medical situation under pressure with many injured people. Anas Jerjawi of Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor announced that the Israeli warcraft destroyed civilian homes, leaving tens of thousands of Israelis homeless.
"Water and electricity supplies are almost at a standstill, and hospitals face extreme difficulties in continuing to operate due to the huge shortage of medical supplies... the Israeli attack must be stopped immediately," Jerjawi added.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman also advised to avoid civilian casualties. Hamas militants reportedly use civilian infrastructure and populations as a shield to its operations.
Other than the thousands of deaths, the United Nations discussed that there was too much damage to infrastructure, covering the homes of two million people, forty schools, and four hospitals. The United Nations warned to stop the attack on health care as the medical supplies are running out.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked for a truce while speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Merkel also affirmed that Israel can defend itself against the attacks.
On the side of Israel, US President Joe Biden backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US rejected the UN Security Council to publish a statement calling Israel to stop the attack. US State Secretary Antony Blinken said, "The violence must end immediately."
Moreover, countries like France and Egypt called off the fight and requested a ceasefire.
Related Article: Hamas Attack Update: AA, Other Major Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel-Here's What FAA Says In Updated NOTAM
