Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:22): I thank Senator Faruqi for her question. Of course we have all witnessed the devastating loss of innocent life in the Middle East. That of course started with the attack by Hamas on innocent civilians in Israel. As a government, we have affirmed Israel's right to defend itself after that horrific attack. We have also said—and the foreign minister reiterated it this weekend—that it also matters in the way in which Israel responds to this completely unjustified attack by Hamas. This means that Israel must observe international law and the rules of war. Nobody— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. I called for silence, and that message was intended for every single senator in this place—including you, Senator Shoebridge, and, I believe, you, Senator McKenzie. Minister, please continue. Senator FARRELL: Nobody wants to see innocent lives lost in this terrible set of circumstances, and it matters that innocent civilians should not pay for the horrors perpetrated by Hamas. It also matters for Israel's own security, which faces grave risk if this conflict spreads, and I think we've already seen over the weekend the potential of it spreading in the north and in the east. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, and human suffering is widespread. The Australian government has consistently called for the protection of civilian lives and safe, unimpeded and sustained— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Faruqi, first supplementary?