Disturbing Aussie warning after Israel attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has raised concerns over a rise in anti-Semitism in Australia after condemning the unprecedented assault on Israel.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Albanese flagged an increase in hate-filled conspiracy theories spread online, linking a spike in anti-Semitic prejudice to the Voice referendum debate.

“I know that this will cause real concern amongst people and anti-Semitism, unfortunately, I've seen even during the debate about constitutional recognition for First Australians. I've seen stuff online about the worldwide Jewish conspiracy being a part of this,” he told Sky News.

“Anti-Semitism, unfortunately, is present and it’s just wrong. I know that racism’s always wrong no matter who’s targeted – whether is be anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.

“Racism is always a bad thing, and my government will do what we can do combat it.”

Mr Albanese condemned a large gathering of Australians celebrating the Hamas attack on Israel earlier on Monday morning.

A crowd reportedly gathered outside Lakemba station in western Sydney on Sunday night, cheering on the surprise assault by the Palestinian Islamist militant group.

The death toll has climbed to more than 700 Israelis and more than 400 Palestinians.

Sheik Ibrahim Dadoun reportedly told the gathering it was a “day of victory”.

Mr Albanese condemned the land, sea, and air assault by Hamas and those who gathered in support of the violence.

“There’s no victory with the slaughter of innocent people,” Mr Albanese told Sunrise.

“The capturing of the people and taking them back to Gaza represents an extraordinary action by Hamas. And Israel, of course, has a right to defend itself, and it will.”

A video shared to X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, by the Australian Jewish Association showed fireworks being set off in the street in neighbouring suburb Greenacre.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the “targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages is never a cause for celebration”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to identify if any Australians had been caught up in the attack on Israel.

Senator Wong told reporters in Melbourne on Monday the government had not been informed that any Australians had been killed, hospitalised or taken hostage.

“We urge Australians in Israel, if you have not already done so, to contact your families to assure us all of your safety,” she said.

Co-head of peak Jewish organisation the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, called the rally a “sickening display from people with no souls and no humanity”.

“Worshippers of death, rape and misery have no place in civilised society,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“We have all seen the horrific images and videos. Women stripped naked and paraded.

“Infant children taken from their parents, taunted and tormented by Palestinian kids. Bodies dragged and desecrated.

“It is no exaggeration to say that this has been one of the darkest days in the history of the Jewish people.”

Official travel advice has been updated to urge people to not travel to Gaza and areas near the strip’s border.

“Authorities are also monitoring security on Israel’s northern border and have asked residents of some towns to evacuate, including in Rosh Hanikra, Adamit, Bezet and Hanita,” Smart Traveller has warned.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed he had ordered a group of warships to be sent to the eastern Mediterranean amid the conflict.

Senator Wong said there was “no request” at this stage for Australia to provide military support.