Australian landmarks will be lit up in blue and white in solidarity with Israel after Islamist group Hamas launched the bloodiest attack on the country in decades.
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the Sydney Opera House would be lit up on Monday night to support the Jewish community and those who have family in Israel.
“We are deeply concerned about the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel and those who have been kidnapped,” he said in a statement.
Hamas fighters rampaged through Israeli towns on Saturday, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.
It’s the deadliest incursion since Egypt and Syria’s attacks in the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.
At least 700 people, including children, had been killed, Israeli media reported. Israel has not released an official toll.
Gazan authorities say more than 400 people, including 20 children, have died in Israeli retaliatory strikes.
Mr Minns said his government was monitoring the situation closely to see if any NSW citizens were affected.
Brisbane’s Story Bridge was lit up in Israel’s national colours of blue and white on Sunday night.
South Australian landmarks including Parliament House and Adelaide Oval will be lit up on Monday, as will the Melbourne Cricket Ground, National Gallery of Victoria and Old Treasury Building.
Victorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, who visited Israel in March, said his state joined the rest of Australia in condemning the Hamas attacks.
“Now is the time to stand with our local Jewish community,” he told reporters on Monday.
“Now is the time to stand with the people of Israel and do everything we can to support them in their hour of need.”
The Palestine Action Group Sydney will hold a rally at the Sydney Town Hall on Monday evening calling for a free Palestine.
The group has urged the federal government to cut ties with Israel.
Source: AAP
