Rudd supports diplomatic solution to bring Gaza ceasefire

Tens of thousands of Israeli troops backed by tanks have battled Hamas fighters as the Palestinian death toll from the offensive, aimed at ending rocket attacks on Israel, passes 510.
   
The Israeli government is resisting intense international pressure over its biggest military operation since the 2006 war in Lebanon.

In Sydney on Monday, Mr Rudd told reporters; "Australia recognises Israel's right to self-defence", but added that the ongoing violence highlighted the need for a solution to the conflict.

"The escalation in the conflict, following the insurgence by Israeli ground forces, underlines the absolute importance of bringing about an effective diplomatic solution," he said.

"Any diplomatic solution must find a way of bringing a halt to rocket attacks against Israel by the terrorist organisation Hamas.   

"Any diplomatic solution must also bring about a halt to arms shipments into Gaza.
   
"Any diplomatic solution must also bring about the opening of the Gaza crossings.

"Any diplomatic solution must also involve an immediate ceasefire. And in that connection, we the Australian government support the actions of the United Nations now in seeking to bring about an immediate ceasefire."

Mr Rudd acknowledged that many Australians were concerned about the humanitarian impacts of the conflict and called on Israel to recognise basic human rights.
“It is critical therefore for Israel to meet its humanitarian obligations under international humanitarian law, towards the people of Gaza, ensuring that they have access to basic goods, food and humanitarian assistance and medical supplies," he said.