Mr NUGENT (3:24 PM) —My question is addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Would the minister inform the House of the government's reaction to the violence that has broken out in Israel and the Palestinian territories in recent days? What implications does this have for the Middle East peace process?

Mr DOWNER (Minister for Foreign Affairs) —I thank the member for Aston for his question and recognise the continuing interest he shows in foreign affairs issues. The Australian government is deeply concerned at the loss of at least 56 lives and the damage to mutual confidence between Israel and the Palestinians that has occurred as a result of the violent confrontations in the different parts of the West Bank, Gaza and Israel in recent days. Both the provocation which led to the disturbances and the violence that has followed have been widely and justifiably deplored. There has been a period in recent times when a final settlement to the Middle East problems has appeared to be increasingly possible and the latest events have obviously cast a shadow over Israelis and Palestinians alike.

It is the government's view that it is now essential for both sides to take all measures necessary to end the current violence, both in the Palestinian areas and within Israel, and to redouble their efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement through negotiations. Despite the severe blow which recent events have represented to the peace process, the leaderships of both sides remain committed to the resolution of their dispute, and they do deserve the support of their people for their efforts to build a lasting peace and an opportunity to do so without being undermined by terror or provocation directed against the other party. I very much hope—and I know many in the international community hope—that the recent violence will be turned into a spur to encourage the revitalisation and conclusion of the peace process and not accelerate a further descent into increasing violence. In conclusion, Australian travellers are strongly advised to defer travel to those areas affected by the latest violence.