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Tuesday, 3 August 2004
Page: 25554


Senator Brown asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 17 June:

With reference to the Israeli incursion into Rafah in the Gaza Strip in May 2004: Is it correct that: (a) five children were killed during the incursion; and (b) at least two of these children were shot through the head by Israeli snipers; if so, what has been the Government's response to these killings.


Senator Hill (Minister for Defence) —The following answer has been provided by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the honourable senator's question:

(a) and (b) Several Palestinian children were reported to have been killed in the course of Israeli military operations in Rafah in May 2004. The Israeli Government has rejected claims that soldiers deliberately fired at children. The Israel Defence Force is nevertheless investigating reports that two children were shot dead by Israeli snipers. As at 2 July that investigation was still under way.

On 20 May, the Australian Ambassador to Israel, while re-stating support for Israel's right to defend itself, expressed to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs deep concern at the number of civilian casualties in Rafah; urged restraint on both sides; and urged Israel to ensure that its defensive measures did not unnecessarily increase Palestinian hardship.