Aust committed to two-state solution, says FM Payne

1 July 2020

(See Translation in Arabic section)

The Australian Government is a longstanding supporter of a two-state solution, in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders.

We urge all parties to refrain from actions that diminish the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution, including:

•       acts of violence and terrorism including rocket attacks on civilians, and

•       land appropriations, demolitions, and settlement activity.

In this context, we are following with concern possible moves towards the unilateral annexation or change in status of territory on the West Bank.

The focus needs to be on a return to direct and genuine negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a durable and resilient peace arrangement, as soon as possible.

Australia has raised our concerns with Israel in relation to indications of annexations, and I have done so directly with my Israeli counterpart.