STATEMENT

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine welcomes the Australian position announced today, August 8, by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong affirming that the Australian government will adopt the term ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories’, clarifying that “the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza were occupied by Israel following the 1967 and that the occupation continues”, in addition to strengthening the Australian government’s opposition to Israeli settlements “by affirming that they are illegal under international law and are a significant obstacle to peace.”

The Ministry views this significant and important development in the Australian position positively, as it aligns with international law and United Nations resolutions, and supports global efforts aimed at reviving the peace process based on international peace frameworks, foremost of which is the principle of the two-state solution. In this context, the Ministry emphasizes that the State of Palestine continues to await action by the Australian government towards implementing resolutions passed by the Australian Labor Party calling its government to recognize the State of Palestine without delay or hesitation.

The Ministry hopes that the Australian government and Minister for Foreign Affairs will recognize the State of Palestine swiftly, in accordance with international law and international legitimacy. This step not only reflects the position of the Labor Party and its members, but also the broader sentiment of the friendly people of Australia, who support the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to establish their state within 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.