A LIBERAL backbencher today noted the "legitimate aspirations" of Palestinians, hours after federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson helped mark Israel's 60th anniversary.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, supported by Dr Nelson, led the celebrations of Israel's creation despite objections from at least one Labor MP and several unions.

New South Wales Liberal MP Sussan Ley said 2679 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces in the Gaza Strip since September 2000, including 1259 who were not participating in hostilities and 567 children.

"Israel has many friends in this country and in this Parliament, the Palestinians, by comparison, have few," Ms Ley told the House of Representatives.

"Their's is not a popular cause but it's one I support in part out of the knowledge that the victors in World War II, including Australia, wrote a homeland cheque to cover the sins of the Holocaust and centuries of anti-semitism in Europe.

"But it was the Palestinians who had to cash it."

Ms Ley said Israel should celebrate its modern, intelligent society, but both Israelis and Palestinians must work towards peace.

"Each side has legitimate grievances. If there were peace between Israelis and Palestinians, one can only imagine the achievements of these two cultures today.

"The current blockade of Gaza, confiscation of Palestinian land and the expansion of settlements must be mentioned in the context of today's motion.

"Rockets are fired into Israel every day and Israel has a right to self-defence. But the crushing economic embargoes feed fury and resentment both in Gaza and the West Bank."

Ms Ley said a recent Tel Aviv university poll showed 64 per cent of Israelis believed the Government must hold direct talks with the Hamas Government in Gaza towards a ceasefire.

"Military occupation blockades and hostility against civilians in the name of security will result in violence and breed terror," she said.

"We must think about what we can do to improve the lives of ordinary Israelis and Palestinians to give them some faith in the peace process."

-

View original & printable version