ANKARA, Aug 17 (Bernama-AA) -- Australian authorities have denied entry to the children of a war victim who was killed in the Gaza Strip, whose brother lives in Australia, according to a media report.
Anadolu Agency (AA) reported that 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?" it cited El Henday told SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) News on Friday.
His sister, Lubna, her husband, two sons and son-in-law were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Gaza City last November while three of El Henday's nieces survived the strike.
El Henday's revelation came after Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton’s latest demand to ban Palestinians fleeing Gaza from entering Australia.
The demand has triggered a backlash from the government and civil society organisations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the opposition leader has 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 as "shameful."
The Israeli onslaught has since Oct 7 last year 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.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
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