John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

That is unfortunate, because with these foreign affairs motions I might seek leave again to complete my remarks. The government’s position on the conflict in Gaza is well known. We are strongly supportive of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860 and its call for an immediate, durable and fully-respected ceasefire. For this ceasefire to be effective it will require an end to arms-smuggling in the Gaza Strip, an end to rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas, and the opening of border crossings. Australia condemns recent rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and understands that Israel has responded through air strikes. This recent outbreak underlines the importance of a durable and fully-respected ceasefire.

Australia regrets the number of people that have been killed and injured in this conflict. The original motion tabled by Senator Hanson-Young referred only to conflict in Gaza. We welcome the preparedness of the senator to amend the motion to refer to the conflict in Southern Israel. In addition to referring to those Palestinians who have lost their lives it is important that the motion refers to the conflict in Southern Israel following rocket attacks from Hamas, a terrorist organisation, over several months.

In response to this crisis Australia recognised the need for urgent humanitarian assistance including medical assistance. I inform the Senate that the government has provided $10 million since 1 January this year for emergency humanitarian aid. This is in addition to the doubling of Australia’s assistance to the Palestinian people in 2008 of $45 million. We are committed to assisting further where we can. This conflict has demonstrated once again the vital need for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Australia remains strongly committed to that objective.