Tuesday, 15 October 2024

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (14:16): Today I want to draw the chamber’s attention to the fact that it is just over one year since the terrible Hamas attack on southern Israel. I was fortunate to attend, with a delegation, to look at some of the sites and to see the destruction that had occurred. The extraordinary armed crossing by Hamas destroyed not just property but people – the murders, the rapes, the extraordinary activities. I can understand the concerns of the Jewish community here and around the world. I have the greatest sympathy for them. Israel needs to be given the security to exist, and a long-term solution needs to be found in the Middle East. But that in no way excuses what occurred in that time a year ago, as we saw the terrible destruction. The fact is that hostages are still held by Hamas in Gaza. I think the community is entitled to call on the Hamas terrorist group to return those hostages and to do so immediately. I know Israel faces enormous challenges, and I for one understand why they would want to ensure that their northern border is safe too. But it is a matter with which I think all Victorians have sympathy.