Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Julie Bishop

ISRAEL – GAZA CONFLICT

15 November 2012

I condemn the recent attacks on Israel with dozens of rockets fired by extremist groups targeting cities and towns.

Those launching these rockets  are seeking to terrorise and kill Israeli civilians.

Israel has the right to defend its people against these acts of terrorism and the government has responded.

The first step towards resolving this latest conflict is for Hamas and other armed groups to halt the attacks on Israel and to commit to peaceful negotiations.

I call on the leaders of Hamas and other groups to break the cycle of violence that has brought hardship and suffering to the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.