Australia is facing a sharp rise in Islamophobic incidents, with a recent report showing cases have skyrocketed since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza. The independent findings reveal a troubling increase both offline and online, raising urgent questions about national unity and community safety.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the report by stressing that no Australian should be targeted for their faith. He emphasized that safety and respect are fundamental to the nation's identity, urging that hate, fear, and prejudice must be eliminated wherever they appear.

The report was presented by Aftab Malik, the government's special envoy to combat Islamophobia. He explained that discrimination has long been ignored or denied, and is now spreading so deeply that many cases go unreported. Malik described the abuse of Muslim women, children, and communities as unacceptable, pointing out the need for immediate reforms.

Key recommendations from the 60-page report include reviewing counterterrorism laws, investigating discrimination in government policies, and launching a full inquiry into the drivers of Islamophobia. These steps aim to expose both institutional and social factors fueling anti-Muslim hate.

According to the findings, in-person Islamophobic incidents have risen by 150 percent, while online abuse has jumped by 250 percent. The report links much of this surge to tensions following the Hamas-led October 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Australia is not alone in this challenge. Across Europe, Islamophobia has also risen, fueled by far-right populist movements and anti-immigration rhetoric, highlighting a global problem that demands serious action.

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