Washington, May 18 (AP): President George W Bush has said that he and Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed the plight of the Palestinian people and the "deep humiliation" they face. Bush said the two leaders are concerned about an explosion of Palestinian violence in the Gaza Strip.

His remarks yesterday appeared to be an empathetic nod toward the beleaguered Palestinians, whose poverty and the heavy restrictions imposed by Israel have generally been a bigger political issue in Europe than in the United States.

"We recognised the deep humiliation that can come as a result of living in a land where you can not move freely, and where people can not realise dreams," Bush said.

"We talked about the need to reject and fight terrorism," Bush added immediately, a reference to Israel's vulnerability. "We understand the fright that can come when you're worried about a rocket landing on top of your home."

Bush did not assess blame for the current violence between Palestinian factions and involving Israeli forces. The Gaza Strip has been the scene of heavy fighting between Hamas and Faith fighters in recent days and retaliatory attacks by Israel in response to rocket fire coming into Israel from next-door Gaza.

More than 20 Palestinians were killed Wednesday in the most widespread factional fighting in nearly a year. Street clashes were ebbing yesterday, with three killed. In all, 45 Palestinians have been killed in the infighting since Sunday.

Bush, standing with Blair in the Rose Garden, said he remains committed to a two-state solution in the region, adding that this goal is attainable if both sides show strong leadership.