‘It’s a day of victory’: anti-Israel comments condemned
Pro-Palestinian rallies in Sydney celebrating attacks on Israel as acts of “courage” and “resistance” have been condemned by the nation’s leaders.
Hamas fighters rampaged through Israeli towns on Saturday, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.
But for a large crowd gathered in southwestern Sydney on Sunday night, the bloody attacks were celebrated as a day of victory.
In Lakemba, footage emerged of a group chanting “occupation is the crime” and “Palestine will be free”.
Many held signs, including “stop persecuting Muslims” and “stand for the oppressed”.
Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺
Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun: genocide of 260 civilians is “a day of happiness”
(Director of Public Relations at the National Imams Council up until June).#HamasisISIS #hamasattack #Sydney #PalestinianTerrorists #DestroyHamas #StopIslam pic.twitter.com/VP5f4r6qyk— RELIGION OF PEACE (@endislam) October 9, 2023
@mariospainting1Lakemba♬ original sound – Omar
Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun told the crowd the attacks on Israel were an act of resistance.
“I’m smiling and I’m happy,” he said.
“I’m elated, it’s a day of courage, it’s a day of pride, it’s a day of victory – this is the day we’ve been waiting for.
“Seventy-five years of occupation, 15 years of blockade.
“What happened yesterday was the first time our brothers and sisters broke through the largest prison on earth.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the comments.
“There’s nothing to celebrate by the murder of innocent civilians going about their day,” he said.
“Some of those who have been captured are young people who were attending a rave, enjoying life and enjoying each others’ company,” he told Nine’s Today program on Monday.
“There’s nothing to celebrate here.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also said the targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages was never a cause for celebration.
“Whatever people’s views are about the history of this conflict, we can never condone the targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages,” she said.
NSW Police confirmed that officers attended The Boulevarde Reserve at Lakemba about 7.30pm on Sunday to monitor an unauthorised protest.
“Attendees complied with all police directions and no significant issues arose, with no arrests made,” a spokeswoman said.
Separate footage shows a person shooting fireworks out of a ute while driving along a main road in Greenacre in Sydney’s southwest, as people wave Palestinian flags.
NSW Police said the incident was not reported at the time but officers were aware of the video and an investigation to identify the vehicle and its occupants was underway.
the terrorist are all over the world. All they know is hate. Because they grew up hating or they joined the hating. But of course im talking about Israel.