Australian landmarks including federal Parliament and the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House have been lit in blue and white in solidarity with Israel after Islamist group Hamas launched the bloodiest attack on the country in decades.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles passionately addressed a vigil for Israeli victims in Melbourne, telling his audience “Australia’s heart breaks” for them and describing the Hamas assault as an act of terrorism.

More than 1100 people are dead and thousands were wounded in Saturday’s strikes and the retaliatory attacks launched by Israel.

Marles spoke of “evil, extreme violence and death”, described many of those killed as innocents and declared “that makes this murder”.

“As Israel acts to defend herself and to seek the protection and the liberation of her citizens and to act against Hamas, Australia stands by her side,” he said.

“In 2023, it is time, around the world, that there is an acknowledgement that Israel has a right to exist in peace and with security.

“As this right is asserted, our nation stands as one with all the people of Israel.”

South Australia’s parliament and Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground, the National Gallery of Victoria and Old Treasury Building were also bathed in blue and white on Monday.

Brisbane’s Story Bridge was illuminated in Israel’s national colours on Sunday.

Tensions grew at the Opera House on Monday night when flares were lit as the Palestine Action Group Sydney staged a rally to urge the federal government to cut ties with Israel.

–AAP