The Coalition has focused on the issue of Gaza visa security checks in recent parliamentary sessions, despite evidence indicating that more visa applications from Palestinians have been rejected than approved.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for a temporary ban on visa applications from Gaza, citing potential national security threats posed by war refugees.

Burgess noted that ASIO is actively investigating individuals from Gaza on visitor visas due to ongoing security threats.

He emphasized that explicit support for Hamas would result in an adverse security assessment, as any endorsement of terrorism is deemed unacceptable.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed confidence in Burgess, stressing the importance of national security over political disputes.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess has stated that support for Hamas will complicate the visa vetting process for individuals seeking to escape Gaza, potentially disqualifying them from obtaining an Australian visa.

Burgess's remarks have sparked political debate, with the Albanese government facing criticism from the opposition regarding its national security stance amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Dutton criticized the government's approach to security checks for individuals from Gaza, labeling it as reckless.

Burgess defended his comments regarding visa vetting for Palestinians in an interview, asserting that his statements have been distorted.

Burgess clarified that even liking a tweet supporting the October 7 Hamas attacks could jeopardize an individual's security assessment for an Australian visa.

Burgess acknowledged that the majority of the Islamic community are not involved in extremism, and community leaders have responded positively to his language.

The ongoing military conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinian deaths reported in Gaza, alongside substantial losses in Israel due to the October 7 attacks.