US President George W Bush has marked Israel's 60th anniversary in Jerusalem,
saying America
is the Jewish state's "best friend".
On
what is likely to be his last trip to Israel as President, Mr Bush spoke
of his hopes for peace in the region.
"We
know that day will come, and when it does, the United States of America will be at
your side," he said.
Bush
called Israel's founding a
"marvellous story" during which Jews "never lost sight of Jerusalem".
"It
is a story of how brave pioneers risked everything to redeem the promise of
this land," he added.
His
trip will include a trip to the Roman-era fortress of Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea.
Mr
Bush has set a goal of reaching a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians before
he leaves office in January but continuing violence has left many on both sides
pessimistic.
Soon
after the President arrived, a rocket fired from Gaza hit an Israeli shopping mall, injuring
more than a dozen people.
Yesterday
morning, three militants and a civilian died after Israeli strikes on Gaza.
source: www.abc.net.au
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