Australian FM regrets ‘retaliatory acts’ from both sides

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she regrets “retaliatory acts” from both Israelis and Palestinians, calling on the two warring sides to exercise restraint.

“The actions of militants in Gaza, who are firing rockets indiscriminately into Israel, are inexcusable and must be condemned,” she says in a statement. “The retaliatory acts from both sides that have led to civilian deaths and injuries are deeply regrettable, and I call on all parties to exercise restraint and do everything necessary to avoid a further escalation of violence.”

In the statement, Bishop says that Canberra urges Australians currently in the Gaza Strip “to make arrangements to depart immediately.” Australians are strongly advised not to travel to the Gaza Strip because of the “extremely dangerous and unpredictable security situation and the possibility of further Israeli military operations against militants.”

The embassy in Tel Aviv is arranging a “one-off assisted departure” of Australian citizens currently in the Strip.

– Raphael Ahren