I am alarmed at the expansion of violence across the Occupied Territories that has followed the Israeli rocket attack on 31 July against a Hamas office in Nablus. I am also saddened that two of the eight killed in the rocket attack were children.

The Australian Government is deeply disappointed that the ceasefire announced by Israel and the Palestinian Authority six weeks ago has failed to put a stop to the deaths and the violence. I urge all concerned to desist from the patterns of provocation and reprisal that threaten to destroy the credibility of the ceasefire commitment.

We again strongly urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to expend one hundred per cent effort to implement a true ceasefire that can allow for a resumption of progress towards a peaceful settlement. We reiterate that we believe there can be no military solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. A cessation of the violence is the only way that a negotiated settlement can be achieved.

Inquiries:
Matt Francis (Ministerial)
Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1111

FA115/2001