Permanent Mission of Australia
to the United Nations
New York

241203 - UNGA79: PLENARY – Peaceful settlement of the Question of Palestine (Item 34)

UNGA79: PLENARY – PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE (ITEM 34)

STATEMENT BY H. E. JAMES LARSEN, AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE, AUSTRALIAN MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

03 December 2024

As delivered.

Thank you President,

Our vote today in favour of the resolution concerning the Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine returns Australia to the position it took until 2001.  

In the years leading up to that point, it was a time when the international community, and the parties themselves, came together to chart a path towards a two-state solution.

A Palestinian state and the State of Israel side-by-side within safe, secure and internationally recognised borders.

Our vote today reflects our determination that the international community again work together to build momentum towards this goal.

To that end, we welcome the resolution’s confirmation that a High-Level International Conference will be convened in 2025 aimed at the implementation of a two-State solution for the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Because a two-state solution remains the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence – the only hope to see a secure and prosperous future for both peoples.

Our position does not prejudge Australia’s position on final status issues, which will need to be resolved as part of negotiations towards a two-state solution.