Gaza war victim's family denied entry to Australia

By Anadolu staff

Australian authorities have denied entry to the children of an Israeli war victim who was killed in the Gaza Strip, whose brother lives in Australia, according to a media report Friday.

Zuhair El Henday, who has lived in New South Wales (NSW) for several years, said he tried his best but failed to secure visas for his remaining family in Gaza.

"I have proven that I have been a true citizen and I contribute to this country, contribute to the community. So, why don't I have the right to get my family here to make them safe?" said El Henday, SBS News reported.

His sister, Lubna, her husband, two sons and son-in-law were killed in Israeli airstrike on their home in Gaza City last November while three of El Henday's nieces survived the strike.

El Henday revelation came after Australia opposition leader Peter Dutton’s latest demand to ban Palestinians fleeing Gaza from entering Australia.

The demand has triggered backlash from the government and civil society organizations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the opposition leader have always looked to divide communities.

"Peter Dutton is always looking to divide. We'll listen to the security agencies when it comes to national security,” said Albanese.

Nasser Mashni, president of Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, slammed Dutton and said his comment us "shameful."

Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 attack last year by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

The Israeli onslaught has since killed more than 40,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 92,400, according to local health authorities.

More than 10 months into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid