Dreyfus heading to Israel this week in high-stakes trip

Labor’s most senior Jewish MP is heading to Israel this week on a mission to salvage relations with Australia’s Middle East ally.

Labor’s most senior Jewish MP is heading to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories this week to “to demonstrate Australia’s long-standing friendship with the Israeli people and our commitment to peace in the Middle East”.

Relations between the Albanese and Netanyahu governments plummeted in 2024 after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Australia’s biggest cities.

The incidents came against a backdrop of repeated calls from the Albanese government for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel is waging a casualty-heavy war.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, the son of a Holocaust survivor, said on Tuesday: “Australia’s friendship with Israel is deep and enduring”.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus is heading to Israel this week. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“On this trip, I will reiterate Australia’s demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, our support for a ceasefire as endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, increased humanitarian access to Gaza and for international law to be upheld,” he said.

“I will restate Australia’s long-standing position that peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution – with Israelis and Palestinians living securely and prosperously within internationally recognised borders.”

The war in Gaza has killed north of 46,000 people, according to local health officials.

Independent analysis has put the figure as high as 64,260.

Nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced, with around two million people facing famine and rampant disease as supplies trickle in.

Israel launched its military campaign in the Palestinian territory after Hamas, the Islamist group that runs it, killed more than 1200 in its October 7 terrorist attacks in 2023.

Hundreds more were taken hostage.

The deaths represent that largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust.

Witnesses detailed horrific instances of sexual violence and entire families being slaughtered.

Much of the brutality was captured in videos that flooded social media.

Relations between the Albanese and Netanyahu governments plummeted in 2024 after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Australia’s biggest cities. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Since October 7, Hamas’ allies in the region have rallied behind it, with Islamist group Hezbollah in Lebanon bombarding northern Israel with rockets.

Despite the devastation in Gaza, Hamas’ leadership has said it would repeat the attack if given the chance.

“In my meetings with Israeli officials I will convey Australia’s support for Israel’s security and its right to defend itself in the face of terrorism,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“I will also visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories and make clear Australia’s support for Palestinians’ right to self-determination and commitment to meeting humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank.”

Mr Dreyfus was due to visit Israel in October last year to mark the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks but cancelled after Iran launched a barrage of missiles.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden said on Monday (local time) Israel and Hamas were “on the brink” of finalising a ceasefire and release deal for the remaining 94 hostages.

“In the war between Israel and Hamas, we’re on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition,” Mr Biden said.