Politicians respond to Operation Pillar of Defence
THE Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have both condemned the continuing rocket attacks from Gaza and expressed their support for Israel to defend itself:
PM Julia Gillard
“Australia is gravely concerned by escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“The Government condemns the repeated rocket and mortar attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip and calls on Hamas to cease these immediately.
“Australia supports Israel’s right to defend itself against these indiscriminate attacks. Such attacks on Israel’s civilian population are utterly unacceptable.
“Further escalations in rocket attacks from Gaza, such as those seen overnight, will not serve the interests of the Palestinian people or their cause for self-determination and statehood.
“We urge both Hamas and Israel to exercise restraint and to protect the lives of civilians.
“The Government of Australia will work earnestly with other countries to end further attacks from Gaza and to encourage a de-escalation of this conflict. We encourage regional countries, particularly Egypt, to support efforts to restore peace.
“The only way forward is a two-state solution based on direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.”
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott
“The Coalition strongly condemns the missile attacks from Gaza into southern Israel which have taken Israeli lives and disrupted Israel’s daily life.
“We of course regret the escalation of conflict, but Israel has every right to defend itself against the threat while continuing to take every effort to avoid civilian casualties.
“The latest escalation of conflict highlights the importance of Israel and the Palestinians reaching compromise including the recognition of Israel by the Palestinians and their renunciation of violence – necessary preconditions to achieving a lasting two-state peace settlement.”
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