Australia urges diplomacy to end Gaza conflict

SYDNEY, Australia — Australia's prime minister called Monday for a diplomatic solution to the Gaza conflict that would include an immediate cease-fire, a halt to rocket attacks by Hamas and the opening of border crossings into the Palestinian territory.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recognized Israel's right to self-defense but said the escalation of the conflict since Israeli ground forces entered Gaza on the weekend highlighted "the absolute importance of bringing about an effective diplomatic solution."

"Any diplomatic solution must find a way of bringing a halt to rocket attacks against Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas," Rudd told reporters. "Any diplomatic solution must also involve an immediate cease-fire."

Rudd also called on Israel to open border crossings into Gaza and ensure residents have basic human rights including access to food, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance.

With more than 510 Palestinians killed in Gaza and over 2,500 injured, the Israeli government has come under strong criticism for the excessive use of force. Five Israelis also have died.

Israel maintains the offensive is aimed at stopping rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza that have traumatized southern Israel.

Thousands of Australians rallied on Sunday in protest against Israel's incursion into Gaza. In a 2,000-strong protest in Sydney, the crowd clapped, banged drums and chanted, "Free, free Palestine!" One protester climbed a tree and set an Israeli flag on fire.

In Melbourne, a calmer crowd of about 3,000 gathered to call for a free Palestine, displaying banners showing photos of the bloodied corpses of children.

A separate demonstration of about 500 Israel supporters, draped in Australian and Israeli flags, gathered at the state parliament building and chanted, "No more terror!" - AP

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