Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today questioned the stance that the Labor government appear to be taking in relation to Israel and Palestine.

"The Greens are concerned that today's motion and speech given by the Prime Minister in honour of the fiftieth anniversary of the declaration of independence of the State of Israel insensitively ignored the plight of the Palestinian people," Senator Nettle said.

"The Greens note with concern that the new Labor government has not unequivocally condemned the attacks on the Palestinian territories by the Israeli military or the siege of Gaza, in the same way as they have condemned the attacks on Israel by Palestinians.

"The Greens are also concerned that in today's motion The Prime Minister failed to recognise the tragic depopulation and destruction of more than 500 Palestinian villages by the Israeli military in the war of 1948.

"A more balanced approach is needed to the conflict in Israel/Palestine if Australia is to be an effective agent for a just peace in the Middle East."


Contact – Jon Edwards 0428 213 146