On the second anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks, we must never forget the atrocities committed and the sheer depravity and cruelty displayed on that dark day.

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Over 1,200 innocent people were slaughtered that day. Children were murdered in front of their parents, and parents in front of their children. Babies were killed in their cots. Bodies were decapitated and burnt. Women were raped. Young people were stalked, hunted and killed at a music festival.

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It was the largest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust.

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250 people were taken hostage by Hamas that day, some 50 of whom are still being held.

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Having met with some of those hostages released, spoken with the families of those still being held, and visited the communities that were the scenes of slaughter, I know how deep the anguish at the loss and cruelty continues to be.

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The war that was initiated by Hamas with its attacks of that day has lead to a tragic loss of innocent lives, including many thousands of Palestinians. Hamas both anticipated and welcomed this conflict, and it has steadfastly refused to take steps that would bring the Gaza conflict to a close.

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Sadly, and to our great national shame, since the 7 October terrorist attacks we have also seen a dramatic rise in hostility and aggression directed towards Australia’s Jewish community, and the open celebration of Hamas’s acts of barbarism.

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The scourge of anti-semitism should have found no foothold in Australia. We must simply do better to stamp it out. No community in Australia should have to live in fear.

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The US plan to end the conflict holds out the hope of an end to the suffering and conflict and a better future for all peoples in the region.

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I urge Hamas to accept the plan and release the remaining hostages, and I call on those nations with sway over Hamas — including Qatar, Turkey and Egypt — to use all their leverage to ensure this happens.

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— ENDS —