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| Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Address to the Two-State Solution Conference |
** QUOTE: "Australia has added our voice to the global calls for a ceasefire"- PM said ** "Right now, Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe, and for
this, the Israeli Government must accept its share of responsibility"- PM said
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Address to the Two-State Solution Conference
United Nations General Assembly Hall, New York — Monday, 22 September 2025
23/09/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a landmark speech at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, reaffirming Australia’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. His address emphasised Australia’s recognition of Palestine, the urgent need for peace, and the shared responsibility of the international community to end the cycle of violence and build a future of security and dignity for both peoples.
President Macron, Your Royal Highness, Secretary-General, colleagues. Nearly 78 years ago, Australia was proud to be the first member of the United Nations to vote for the plan that made the modern state of Israel possible. The international community’s vision for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East always encompassed two states: a state of Israel and a state of Palestine, living side by side within internationally recognised borders, and recognising each other’s right to live in peace and security.
Eight decades ago, those hopes for peace were consumed by conflict. That has been the grim pattern of the years: opportunities not taken, compromises rejected, good faith betrayed. A cycle of violence and terror has crushed generations. We saw that in the horrific events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists descended on a music festival promoting “friends, love, and infinite freedom” to perpetrate atrocities that horrified the world. One Australian, Galit Carbone, was among those killed. Australia embraces all who carry the weight of grief. We join with our allies and partners in calling for the hostages to be returned immediately and with dignity. And we stand with Jewish people around the world, who feel the cold shadow of history’s darkest chapter in any act of antisemitism.
Throughout this conflict, Australia has added our voice to the global calls for a ceasefire. We want the killing to stop, because every innocent life matters, every Israeli life, every Palestinian life. Right now, Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe, and for this, the Israeli Government must accept its share of responsibility. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed. Desperate people, including children, have been denied vital aid. Aid workers have been killed trying to deliver humanitarian assistance, including Australian Zomi Frankcom. And journalists have been killed trying to bring the truth to light.
This comes alongside the continued illegal expansion of settlements on the West Bank, and an increase in settler violence, threats to annex parts of Palestine, and permanently displace the Palestinian people. Such conduct risks putting a two-state solution beyond reach. That is where the current road will take us, which is why we must choose a different path. We must break this cycle of violence and build something better.
Yesterday, Australia recognised the State of Palestine. We have been clear: the terrorist organisation Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future. Australia’s act of recognition was predicated on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including reaffirming Israel’s right to exist in peace and security; ensuring that Hamas would hand over its weapons to Palestinian security forces and never control Gaza again; and that the Palestinian Authority must demilitarise, hold democratic elections, and undertake wholesale reform in governance, finance, and education.
The leadership of the Arab League has given added strength to these commitments. Their demand for Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and surrender its weapons has helped create this moment of opportunity: a chance to deliver self-determination for the people of Palestine in a way that permanently disarms and isolates Hamas and drives them out of the region once and for all.
In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people. That means more than a seat, a voice, and a vote in the councils of the world. It means real hope for a place they can call home. This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people, the same hope that binds each of us to our countries and cultures and drives all of us to want a better life for our children.
Working together, we can build a future where, instead of children in Gaza dying in pain, living in fear, or being taught to hate, they can go to school, build a “life in larger freedom”, and aspire to raise children of their own. That future depends on recognition being followed by reconstruction and reform: a credible, co-operative peace plan that supports recovery in Gaza and security for Israel. One that establishes governance and excludes Hamas, from “the day after” and for every day after that.
This is the next step we must take, together. And Australia will join the international community in this endeavour. |
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