Australia blames Hamas for Palestinian deaths

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Australia's prime minister has blamed the terror group Hamas for the deaths of more than 50 Palestinians under Israeli fire along the Israel-Gaza border.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Melbourne Radio 3AW: "Hamas' conduct is confrontational. They're seeking to provoke the Israeli defense forces."

Turnbull says: "They're pushing people to the border. In that conflict zone, you're basically pushing people into circumstances where they are very likely to be shot at." Turnbull says Australia will not follow the US lead by moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop called on Israel in a statement to be proportionate in its response and refrain from excessive use of force.