Australia Reports 150% Surge in Islamophobic Incidents Post-Gaza War

Australia has witnessed a significant rise in Islamophobia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, with incidents increasing by 150% in person and 250% online. Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, highlighted that Islamophobia is a persistent issue in Australia that has long been ignored or denied, and is now exacerbated by anti-Palestinian racism and widespread public abuse, especially targeting Muslim women. Malik's recent report, containing 54 recommendations, calls for comprehensive government action including inquiries into Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism, reviews of counterterrorism laws, and enhanced education and community engagement efforts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attacks based on religious beliefs as attacks on Australia's core values and pledged to carefully consider the report's recommendations to combat hate, fear, and division. The government acknowledges that Islamophobia is a societal challenge affecting social cohesion and stresses the urgency to address it through a whole-of-society approach with legal protections and public awareness. The rise in anti-Muslim incidents, alongside a spike in antisemitic acts, underscores the need for urgent and coordinated responses to preserve Australia's social fabric.