Media Releases

11 August 2025

I welcome the Government’s decision to support formal recognition of the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, noting it is conditional on the Palestinian Authority recognising Israel and excluding Hamas from any future government.

This is a significant diplomatic step that reaffirms Australia’s commitment to international law and the right to self-determination. The announcement also aligns Australia with growing international momentum advocating for a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and the call for the release of all hostages.

Right now, the priority must be to urgently increase the delivery of humanitarian aid including food, water, and medical supplies to civilians in Gaza.

I share the Prime Minister’s concern that the Netanyahu Government is extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and explicitly opposing any Palestinian State.

Critically, recognition cannot distract from the need to support the innocent civilians in Gaza, who continue to face a devastating humanitarian crisis. This crisis has deepened with the Netanyahu government continuing to unconscionably withhold essential human aid, announcing its intention to expand its military offensive in Gaza City, and with reports of an Israeli airstrike that killed Al Jazeera journalists, which has prompted strong condemnation from press freedom groups and the United Nations.

This historic recognition can only be meaningful if it is matched with action to save lives. Further diplomatic levers may be required, including trade sanctions, if humanitarian relief is not significantly and urgently improved.