In 1947, 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.
But that plan always encompassed two states: a state of Israel and a state of Palestine living side by side, within internationally recognised borders, recognising each other’s right to live in peace and security.
Eight decades ago, those hopes were consumed by conflict, and that has been the grim pattern of the years — opportunities not taken, compromises rejected, good faith betrayed.
A cycle of violence that has crushed generations.
We saw that in the horrific events of October 7, 2023.
Hamas terrorists descending on a festival promoting “friends, love and infinite freedom” to perpetrate atrocities. One Australian, Galit Carbone, was among those killed.
Australia embraces all who carry the weight of grief.
We repeat our call for the hostages to be returned immediately and with dignity, and we stand with Jewish people everywhere who feel the cold shadow of history’s darkest chapter in any act of antisemitism.
Throughout this conflict, Australia has supported calls for a ceasefire because every innocent life matters.
Every Israeli life, every Palestinian life.
Right now, Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe.
And the Israeli government must accept its share of responsibility.
Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed; desperate people, including children, denied vital aid; aid workers killed, including Australian Zomi Frankcom; journalists 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 leads. 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.
Our recognition was predicated on commitments from the Palestinian Authority:
Reaffirming Israel’s right to exist in peace and security.
That Hamas would turn over its weapons to Palestinian security forces and never control Gaza again.
And the PA (Palestinian Authority) must demilitarise, hold democratic elections and undertake wholesale reform: to governance, finance and education.
The leadership of the Arab League has added strength to these commitments. Their demand for Hamas to surrender its weapons and end its rule in Gaza has helped create this historic opportunity, a chance to deliver self-determination for Palestine in a way that permanently disarms and isolates Hamas and drives them out of the region once and for all.
Recognising the aspirations of the Palestinian people is about more than a seat — a voice and a vote in the councils of the world.
It is about real hope for a place to call home.
This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people.
The same hope that binds us all to our countries and cultures, and drives 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 and build a life in larger freedom.
That future depends on recognition being followed by reconstruction and reform.
A credible, co-operative peace plan supporting recovery in Gaza and security for Israel, establishing governance and excluding Hamas on the day after, and every day after that.
This is the next step we must take, and we must take it together.