Home

Stop Israeli-Palestinian violence: Payne

Rebecca GredleyAAP
Foreign Minister Marise Payne says Australia is deeply concerned about escalating violence in israel
Camera IconForeign Minister Marise Payne says Australia is deeply concerned about escalating violence in israel Credit: AAP

Australia’s foreign minister has urged for an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip as the death toll rises amid fears of war.

More than 100 people have been killed in the worst violence between Israelis and Palestinians in several years.

Marise Payne said the government was deeply concerned about escalating violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.

“We’ve unequivocally called on all leaders to take immediate steps to halt violence, to maintain restraint, and to restore calm,” Senator Payne said at a press briefing in Washington on Friday.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
Police patrol during clashes between Arabs and Jews in Lod, Israel
Camera IconAs rockets from Gaza streaked overhead, Arabs and Jews have fought each other on the streets below. Credit: AP

After days of violence the Israel Defense Forces have escalated international concern by tweeting: “IDF air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip”.

The minister spoke alongside her US counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Our strong view is that violence is no solution,” Senator Payne said.

“Whether they are rocket attacks or indiscriminate acts that fuel the cycle of violence and bloodshed, they are also never justified.

“We have urged all parties to refrain from violent or provocative acts, calling for a halt to any actions that increase tensions.”

She said Australia would play an active role if discussions were held by the United Nations, which fears the situation could explode into full-scale war.

Smoke rises from a building in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike.
Camera IconAustralia is concerned about the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. Credit: AP

Attacks flared up after Israeli forces tried to forcibly evict Palestinians from their homes in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah and stormed the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday restated the government’s policy of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, describing Australia as an agent for peace.

He urged Australians with ties to the conflict to act with tolerance and respect.

“By all means, people can have concerns and views, and there is a tolerance for that, but at the same time we do not want to import the troubles of other parts of the world into this country,” he said.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails