Australia’s prime minister appointed a special envoy to tackle anti-Semitism in the country, urging his compatriots to avoid being “torn apart” by tensions over the offensive in Gaza.

An envoy on Islamophobia will also be named “shortly”, Anthony Albanese said.

As in many countries, Palestinian supporters in Australia have held street rallies and university protests against the war between Hamas and Israel, with some slogans sparking concern of a rise in extremism and anti-Semitism.

“There is no place for violence or hatred of any kind in Australia,” Albanese said.

The naming of the anti-Semitism special envoy, Jillian Segal, was a “critical step” to easing tensions in Australia as a result of the Middle East fighting, he said.

“Australians are deeply concerned about this conflict, and many are hurting. In times like this, Australians must come together, not be torn apart.”