Albanese's opinion on this matter emphasizes that the overwhelming majority of countries in the world view the solution of creating two states as a positive way to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Earlier, Netanyahu claimed that the recognition of Palestinian statehood allegedly exacerbates anti-Semitism and urged the Australian leader to act more decisively, including in an August letter. However, according to him, he received the opposite effect in response.
In response to criticism, Albanese emphasized that it is important for him to unite the nation and strengthen unity, despite attempts to divide Australians. Tensions in relations between Australia and Israel have been observed since August, when Israel revoked the visas of Australian diplomats, which Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described as an "unjustified reaction" to the decision to recognize Palestine.
After the attack on Bondi Beach, misinformation appeared on social media about the person who disarmed the shooter. Some popular pro-Israel and right-wing activists mistakenly identified him as a Christian, despite the fact that he turned out to be a practicing Muslim named Ahmed al-Ahmed from Syria.
Al-Ahmed, acting unarmed, engaged in a struggle with the attacker and managed to disarm him. Initially, he was described in the media as the owner of a fruit shop located in the shopping center where the attack took place.
Laura Loomer, a conservative activist and Trump supporter, claimed that the hero was allegedly a Lebanese or Coptic Christian, urging people not to trust reports of his Muslim identity. Similar claims were made by other well-known pro-Israel bloggers, including Eyal Yakobi, who described the hero as a Maronite Christian.
These versions were refuted, and Ahmed's cousin, Mustafa al-Ahmed, confirmed to Australian media that his relative is a practicing Muslim from the Idlib province in Syria. This information was also confirmed by friends and community representatives.
Social media users noted that the refusal to recognize the Muslim as a hero illustrates the deeply rooted Islamophobia in right-wing circles. Instead of celebrating the courage of a man who risked his life to save others, there was an attempt to alter his identity to fit ideological views.
This incident highlights a broader trend where the heroism of Muslims is downplayed or ignored, while crimes involving them are actively emphasized. The case at Bondi Beach is seen as a vivid example of digital distortion of reality.
