Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

We urge all that are involved in the current chain of violent events across Israel, Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank to cease provocations, to maintain restraint, to de-escalate the current exchange of fire and to halt the violence. The rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel are never justified and represent indiscriminate acts that fuel the cycle of violence and bloodshed. They must cease. We do note that Israel, like any state, always has a right to self-defence under the UN charter. That does not change the government's position in relation to the long-term importance of discussion between the parties and ensuring that the parties avoid all measures and matters that can escalate the chance of conflict and violence.