UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL: MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS QUARTERLY DEBATE
Statement by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
28 January 2026
Thank you, President.
This debate comes as tensions across the Middle East remain high.
Today I reiterate Australia’s calls for peace and stability in the region.
Australia condemns the Iranian government's brutal crackdown on its own people.
We urge Iran to protect and respect the rights of its citizens.
The killing of protesters, use of violence, raids on healthcare facilities, telecommunications blackouts, and mass detention of citizens seeking fundamental rights and freedoms must stop.
Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.
That is why we have taken strong action to hold the Iranian regime to account, including through sanctions.
President,
We all want to see an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza.
Australia has consistently advocated for unimpeded and sustainable humanitarian assistance in Gaza, including calling for the removal of restrictions on humanitarian partners that are preventing the delivery of life-saving assistance.
Australia welcomes President Trump’s diplomatic efforts towards a lasting peace in Gaza, including the Council’s adoption of Resolution 2803 and the announcement of the launch of Phase Two of the 20-point “comprehensive plan”.
We remain committed to working with partners to support the implementation of this plan. It is the most viable pathway available to end the suffering in Gaza and bring stability and an enduring peace.
We continue to urge all parties to uphold the terms of the ceasefire and work towards implementing the plan in full.
Hamas must be disarmed and play no role in a Palestinian state, aid must flow unimpeded, and civilians must be protected.
Australia is under no illusions that the work ahead will be complex and difficult, but we must all contribute to securing long term peace in Gaza and building the Palestinian State.
President,
We must not forget the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
As does so much of the international community, Australia objects to Israel’s demolition of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Such actions set a dangerous precedent and undermine the multilateral system. UN facilities must be protected.
Australia is a part of the international call on Israel to reverse its December decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. We have been clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and risk fuelling further instability.
With the international community, we continue to underscore that a two-state solution remains the only avenue for enduring peace and security for both Israel and Palestine.
Thank you.