Parliament fails to acknowledge Palestinian loss

Senator Nettle's motion noted today's anniversary of the expulsion and expropriation of Palestinians by Israeli forces 60 years ago and went on to note Australia's connections with Palestine in terms modelled on those recently used by Prime Minister Rudd to commemorate the Israeli view of the same events.

"The Government and Opposition today have further underlined their unabashed pro-Israeli stance," Senator Nettle said.

"It is a truly appalling double standard to use parliamentary motions to congratulate Israel for its 60 year of independence but reject a motion recognise the 60 years of dispossession and suffering the Palestinian people have endured as a matter of historical fact."

General Business-Notice of Motion
*79 Senator Nettle: To move-That the Senate-
(a) acknowledges and sympathises with the Palestinian families whose homes were destroyed or seized, and family members killed or injured, 60 years ago at the inception of the State of Israel which the Palestinians call 'Al Nakba', the catastrophe;

(b) remembers with shame the failure of the international community to prevent the bloody events that followed the unilateral declaration of independent statehood by the Israeli leaders and the many millions of victims who continue to suffer to this day;

(c) acknowledges the unique relationship which exists between Australia and Palestine, a bond highlighted by our commitment to the rights and liberties of our citizens and encouragement of cultural diversity;

(d) commends the Palestinian authority's commitment to democracy, the rule of law and pluralism;

(e) reiterates Australia's commitment to:
  (i) Palestine's right to exist and our on-going support to the peaceful establishment of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue,     and
  (ii) the pursuit of peace and stability throughout the Middle East; and

(f) on this, the 60th anniversary of Al Nakba, pledges our friendship, commitment and enduring support to the people of Palestine as we remember this dark chapter in history together.

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146

[via Kerry Nettle Media Release Thursday 15 May 2008 link]