6:45am AEDT, 8 December 2023
What’s happening?
Hamas has fired rockets at Israel from within a humanitarian safe zone.
Five more Israeli soldiers were killed overnight, bringing the IDF toll to 89 since the start of ground operations. Among the dead was Gal Eisenkot, son of the former IDF chief-of-staff, and a minister in the Israeli government.
An Israeli civilian was killed by a missile fired by Hezbollah.
A far-right Israeli march, planned to go through the Arab parts of Jerusalem’s Old City, has been stopped by police, after inflammatory signs and racist chants were used by the marchers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent his Hannukah greetings to the Jewish community yesterday. Mr Albanese wrote, “The message of hope Chanukah brings is as important as ever. I know Jewish Australians are carrying a deep pain in your hearts right now. As you light the Menorah this year, be proud of your Jewish faith and the strength of the community in Australia. May you find comfort and hope as you honour the traditions that have sustained you for generations.”
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong will visit Israel in the coming weeks, following Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts. Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham will visit next week, as part of a bipartisan delegation including Labor MPs Josh Burns and Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah.
