Permanent Mission of Australia
to the United Nations
New York

241030 - United Nations Third Committee: Interactive Dialogue: Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel

UNITED NATIONS THIRD COMMITTEE: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM, AND ISRAEL

30 October 2024
 

Thank you Chair and the Commission for its report. 

The use, by any party, of sexual or gender-based violence in conflict is unacceptable.

One year on from Hamas’ unjustifiable terrorist attack, we reiterate calls for the unconditional release of hostages and condemn their mistreatment by Hamas. 

We must see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and call on parties to agree to the comprehensive deal endorsed by the UN Security Council. 
All parties to conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law.  

The killing of civilians as well as health and aid workers Gaza must stop. They must be protected. 

Israel must comply with the binding orders of the ICJ to enable the provision of aid at scale in Gaza.

We are deeply concerned by the descriptions of mistreatment of Palestinian detainees and the unlawful detention of Palestinian minors. 

Allegations of death, abuse and ill-treatment must be investigated.

Israel must grant the International Committee of the Red Cross to detention facilities.

This devastating crisis has underscored the need for a two-state solution. 

This is the only way Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side, in peace, security, and dignity. 

Australia asks: how can the international community ensure respect for international humanitarian law, in order to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and medical workers?