Ng Mary

Recently my colleague Carolyn Bennett and I had the opportunity to visit Israel and the West Bank along with other parliamentarians. We went to listen and learn from both Israeli and Palestinian experts about the current crisis and, in particular, about prospects for a sustainable ceasefire.There is no question that Israel has the right to defend itself. Equally, there is no doubt that the Palestinian people have the right to live in peace. Tragically, the war has rendered these two rights mutually incompatible.We feel deep compassion for all the people who have lost their lives and livelihood in this conflict. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered, including the families and friends of those who have died.