ABC News - Gaza conflict: Julie Bishop condemns 'indefensible' school shelling as Israel, Hamas agree to new 72-hour ceasefire lyrics

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has described the shelling of three United Nations schools sheltering civilians in Gaza as "indefensible", saying Australia wants a full investigation. Ms Bishop's comments came on the eve of a mooted three-day ceasefire, scheduled to start later today with the backing of both Israel and Palestinian groups. This afternoon Israel said it would pull all of its ground forces out of Gaza before the beginning of the ceasefire, due to start at 8:00am local time (3:00pm AEST). Gaza officials say the war has k**ed 1,834 Palestinians, most of them civilians. Israel says 64 of its soldiers and three civilians have been k**ed since fighting began on July 8 after a surge in cross-border rocket salvos from Gaza. There has been growing international outrage over attacks on UN schools during the fighting. Today Ms Bishop welcomed the ceasefire but said Australia had noted the unfolding situation in Gaza with "deep concern".