Speech to the ministerial meeting on the situation in Gaza and the implementation of the two-state solution

I thank the Chair and co-sponsors for convening this important meeting at such a critical time.

As we know, the widespread suffering we are witnessing in Gaza is unacceptable.

We know that a ceasefire is desperately needed, humanitarian access must increase, civilians must be protected, and Hamas must release hostages.

Parties must agree to the ceasefire deal endorsed by the UN Security Council.

We need a ceasefire in Gaza and a ceasefire in Lebanon

But we also need to find a path back to the goal of a just and enduring peace.

A two-state solution to break the cycle of violence – a Palestinian state and the State of Israel side by side within internationally recognised borders.

The world can no longer wait.

Like other partners, Australia no longer sees recognition of a Palestinian state as only occurring at the end of negotiations but rather as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution.

But individual country actions alone are not moving the dial.

Which is why Australia wants to engage on new ways to break the cycle, including the role of the UN Security Council in setting a pathway for two-states, with a clear timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood.

So we commend the collective initiative being discussed here today to build momentum to achieve a two-state solution. We stand ready to support this work.

Australia supports the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

But let me be clear: there can be no role for terrorists.

A Palestinian state cannot threaten Israel's security.

We want to see a reformed Palestinian governing authority capable of taking responsibility for Gaza and the West Bank.

We are ready to play our part in helping the Palestinian Authority reform, including with support for public administration capacity building.

We also believe Israel must not be allowed to continue to take unilateral actions to entrench the occupation and prevent a viable Palestinian state.

Israel must stop establishing settlements, which are illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace.

Settler violence against Palestinians must also stop and perpetrators held to account.

We believe it is in Israel's own interest that the Netanyahu Government respond to the demands of the international community.

The current course being taken will not bring enduring security and prosperity for either Israelis or Palestinians.

Only the achievement of a two-state solution will.

Thank you.