Australian Parliament Votes to Condemn Hamas, Despite Coalition’s Objections

Despite strong opposition from the Coalition, Australia’s lower house has passed a condolence motion for the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, with 85 MPs voting in favour. The motion not only condemned the attack on Israel but also mourned the loss of innocent civilians, including Palestinian lives, and acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Albanese reiterated Australia’s longstanding position on protecting civilian life in accordance with international law and recognised the devastation wrought by the conflict. “I support ongoing international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza and Lebanon,” Albanese told Parliament on Oct. 8. In his speech, Albanese began by reflecting on the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, emphasising the acts of terrorism that claimed 1,200 lives....