Australia condemns attacks in Southern Israel
The Federal Government has condemned the attacks in Southern Israel.
The following statement was issued by acting Foreign Minister Craig Emerson.
The Australian Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on 18 August.
These deplorable acts of violence have claimed innocent civilian lives, and undermine efforts towards peace and security in the region. They are indefensible.
Initial reports indicate that attacks by gunmen on an Israel bus near the Israel-Egypt border, and subsequent attacks on two other vehicles, have resulted in the loss of at least six lives.
“The Australian Government stands with the people of Israel against these brutal actions and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice,” said Acting Foreign Minister Dr Craig Emerson.
The Australian Government’s deepest condolences go to the families and friends of those killed and our hopes are with the injured for a full recovery.
Zionist Council of Victoria president Sam Tatarka has expressed sorrow and outrage at the news of the 8 Israelis killed and more than 40 wounded by terrorists in 4 coordinated attacks in southern Israel on Thursday.
Sam Tatarka
Mr Tatarka said that the Jewish and Zionist community stand in solidarity with the people and government of Israel at this difficult time as Israel once again deals with the grief and heartbreak of identifying and burying the victims of fanatical Islamist terror.
“Israelis including families and children travelling to and from the holiday destination of Eilat were attacked with guns, roadside bombs and anti-tank missiles on an open road. Soldiers and police responding to the incidents were also attacked. 8 people are now dead and many more injured some seriously. As a community, we abhor and oppose terrorism and terrorists. We convey our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured and offer them our prayers and support. The names of all of the victims have not been released however it is known that St-Sgt Moshe Naftali, 22, of Ofra, a combat soldier from the Golani Brigade and Senior police officer Paskal Avrahami, 49 of Jerusalem, a father of three and member of Israel’s counter-terrorism unit were both killed in the aftermath of the attacks” Mr Tatarka said.
“The fact that the Hamas regime which rules the Gaza Strip and recently resumed relations with the Palestinian Authority, has praised the attack and welcomed the deaths of Israeli civilians is not surprising, given that Hamas and its splinter groups continue to fire rockets, missiles and mortars on Israel’s southern communities of Sderot, Beer Sheva and Ashkelon on a daily basis. Instability in bordering Egypt has allowed the Sinai Peninsula to become a breeding ground for terror groups whose access to Israel is now easier thus enabling deadly attacks such as those we saw yesterday” Tatarka said.
“As reports of the Palestinian Authority seeking UN endorsement of a State on September 20 intensify, the international community must reflect on the very real risk of extremism and violence that a future Palestinian state might bring. Israel cannot and should not be expected to accept a terror state on its doorstep. Clearly Israeli lives are at risk” Mr Tatarka said.
Who gives an F what the good dr Emison says! He doesn’t speak for me but then I’m a Goy so what would I know. But the Goyim are sick and tired of enbeing killed and injured say in Bali or Madrid or Oslow for Israel’s sake. Every hijacking since 1969 has been directly or indirectly because of Israel. Author David Lamb was right when he called Israel an outcast of the world community. American David Duke also shares these sentiments.