Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 813 relating to Israel and Palestine be taken as a formal motion.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to the motion being taken as formal?

An honourable senator: Yes.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, in lieu of suspending standing orders, I seek leave to make a one-minute statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have to say, it's very disappointing, given that yesterday's motion on the same issue was not denied leave—a motion put forward by Senator Leyonhjelm. I will say: this is an important motion. On 15 May, many people in Israel are celebrating the creation of Israel but, at the same time, Palestinians commemorate the Nakba, where in 1948, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced and lost their homes—and indeed, many were killed. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the state of Israel, but it also marks the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, and millions of Palestinians continue to suffer, living under occupation or as refugees.

The Greens express deep concern that at least 43 mostly unarmed and peaceful Palestinian protesters have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces since the end of March on the border of Gaza, including four minors and two journalists. We welcome the fact that six Israeli human rights groups are challenging the Israeli military's actions in court, and we express further deep concern at Palestinian President Abbas's recent anti-Semitic comments.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute, Senator McGrath.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In line with the longstanding view of successive governments, given that formal motions cannot be debated or amended, they should not deal with complex and contested foreign policy matters. Australian policy is to support direct negotiation between Israel and the Palestinians to achieve a two-state solution. This policy has continued across governments. Unilateral recognition of a state of Palestine would not contribute to returning the parties to negotiations.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor has long supported and continues to support an enduring and just two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the right of Israel to live in peace within secure borders internationally recognised and agreed by the parties, and reflecting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to also live in peace and security within their own state.

Labor supports all genuine efforts toward a negotiated settlement between the parties to the conflict based on international frameworks, laws and norms. We also condemn all violence related to the conflict, and Labor will continue to call on both sides to refrain from any actions that hamper peaceful outcomes for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Labor is concerned about recent violence on the Gaza border. Labor also condemns anti-Semitic speech and behaviour in all its forms. Labor, whether in government or opposition, will continue to work with the parties to the conflict, our allies and the wider international community to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.