URGENT UPDATE: The brother of a victim from the devastating October 7 attacks in Israel is calling for immediate action from the Australian government to address the ongoing Middle East conflict. Danny Majzner, who survived the horrific assault carried out by Hamas, visited Parliament House in Canberra earlier today to advocate for stronger ties with Israel and increased diplomatic efforts.
On the second anniversary of the massacre, which claimed over 1,200 lives, Majzner met with key political figures, including Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, to share his personal tragedy and push for change. His sister, Galit Carbone, was among those killed during the attack on an Israeli music festival, with Majzner stating, “I survived. My sister wasn’t as lucky,” during a poignant discussion with Ms. Ley.
Majzner is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tomorrow to further his plea. He expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of involvement from the Australian government in brokering peace in the region. “Israel and Australia should be allies again, like we used to be,” he insisted, emphasizing the need for renewed support for Israel.
The October 7 attacks not only left a deep scar in Israel but also ignited a devastating war in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and widespread destruction. In response to the escalating violence, multiple nations, including Australia, have taken steps to formally recognize Palestinian statehood in hopes of pressuring the Israeli government for peace.
During today’s parliamentary session, Albanese condemned the attacks, describing the day as one of “pain and terror,” and reaffirmed that “Hamas stands in opposition to all humanity.” He highlighted a recent 20-point peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump as a potential pathway to end the violence.
However, Sussan Ley criticized the Australian government’s response since the October 7 tragedy, stating, “Australia has been lauded by Hamas and condemned by Israel and the United Nations.” Ley remarked that the Jewish community in Australia feels abandoned by their leaders during this crisis.
Former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus also spoke on the lasting impact of the October 7 attacks, noting, “It imposed a grief that will not pass quickly and a trauma that will cross generations.” He raised concerns about how recent pro-Palestinian protests have affected the Jewish community’s sense of safety and movement within Australia.
Further discussions are expected in Parliament over the next two days, with senior officials addressing the implications of the ongoing war. The government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at designating foreign state entities as sponsors of terrorism, signaling a potential shift in Australia’s foreign policy approach.
The emotional pleas from Majzner and others highlight the urgent need for a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions in the Middle East. As the anniversary of the October 7 attacks looms, all eyes are on Canberra to see how Australia will respond to this critical situation.
