Israel’s prime minister has accused the Australian government of fostering an environment that encouraged anti-Semitism in the months leading up to the Bondi Beach terror attack. Benjamin Netanyahu said he had written to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year, warning that recognizing a Palestinian state would, in his view, “add fuel to 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 who was shot dead by police, and 29 others were injured when gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney earlier today. After the shooting, Netanyahu said: “It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who threaten Australian Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred that is now stalking your streets.”
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign nation by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81% of the international community. Palestine is also recognized by the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which has observer status as a non-member of the UN.
Authorities also said many more people would have been killed if a bystander, identified by local media as fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, had not attacked a gunman from behind, who struggled with him and wrestled the gun from the attacker’s hand.
In his speech, Netanyahu described Al-Ahmed as a “brave Muslim man” who confronted one of the gunmen and disarmed him.
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