Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The announcement by the President of the United States that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of the US-brokered peace plan should inspire hope in Australia and across the world. October 7 was a day of horror; today is a day of hope. The coalition has backed the US-brokered peace plan from the start. Today we see why. Careful diplomacy delivers results. All fair-minded Australians will welcome it, and we remain hopeful today's announcement will be borne out over coming days. This shows why Australia must always stand with our closest ally, the United States.

Today marks a hopeful first step towards the release of the hostages that have been held for over two years. Today is the start of the end of this war and the beginning of enduring peace. This is not a time to protest. This is not a time for division. This is not a time for hate. This is a time to support the real prospect of peace after two years of war. This is a time to stand with our allies. And this is a time for hope.