Senator BOB CARR (New South Wales—Minister for Foreign Affairs) (14:31): On my visit to the region in August I underlined to the Israeli and Palestinian leadership the need to return to negotiations and refrain from actions that undermine prospects for peace. The only way to achieve peace is through a negotiated two-state solution, with a secure Israel living alongside an independent Palestinian state. In this crisis it is critical for all sides to exercise restraint. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator BOB CARR: I can't hear you—you will have to speak up! In this crisis it is critical for all sides to exercise restraint, take all steps to protect the lives of civilians and move to end this conflict. Yesterday the President of the United States, Barack Obama, said: … if we see a further escalation of the situation in Gaza then the likelihood of us getting back on any kind of peace track … is going to be pushed off way into the future. We can hope for the contrary.