I deplore the latest suicide bombing at a hotel in the seaside
resort of Netanya in Northern Israel in which at least 19 Israelis
have been killed. The Islamic militant group Hamas has claimed
responsibility for this atrocity.
I am sure all Australians join with me in condemning in the strongest
possible terms this act of terrorism which has claimed so many innocent
lives.
This latest attack is particularly disturbing because it came at
a time of intensified US efforts on the ground to bring the parties
together to achieve a ceasefire and just as Arab leaders held a
Summit in Beirut to consider a Saudi Arabian peace initiative that
offers the prospect of all Arab states normalising relations with
Israel.
I hope that despite the attack, the Summit will be able to focus
on constructive efforts to bring peace to the region.
I strongly urge Mr Arafat and the Palestinian Authority to do everything
possible to bring an end to this violence. A cessation of the violence
is the only way a negotiated settlement can be achieved.
Media inquiries: Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / Julie
McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555
