Quarterly debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
Statement by The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
28 April 2026
Thank you, President.
Australia is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and we reiterate our support for President Trump’s Middle East peace plan as the most viable pathway available to end the suffering and bring stability and an enduring peace.
Australia remains deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation and continuing loss of life in Gaza. More than 760 Palestinians have been killed since the October ceasefire. Shockingly, this includes 120 children. Countless families remain displaced without essential shelter and supplies. Gazans continue to face acute levels of food insecurity.
Australia has provided over $135 million to support conflict-affected people in Gaza and Lebanon, with a focus on the needs of women and children.
Australia reiterates our call for the restrictions on humanitarian organisations to be lifted and for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid.
There is a critical need to protect civilians including the aid workers who deliver food, water and medicine. Any attacks that deliberately threaten the safety and security of humanitarian personnel must cease.
President,
In the West Bank, we have long been clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace. The recent decision of the Israel Security Cabinet to expand Israeli control over the West Bank undermines stability and security of the region.
These measures, along with altering the demographic composition of Palestine, are unacceptable.
Continuing violence by settlers in the West Bank is unacceptable and Australia expects Israel to hold perpetrators to account.
The two-state solution is the only viable path to long term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Australia is concerned by Israel’s recently passed death penalty legislation. We are particularly worried about the
de facto discriminatory character of the law.
The death penalty is an inhumane and degrading form of punishment without any deterring effect. We urge the Israeli decision makers in the Knesset and Government to reverse this decision.
President,
On the region more broadly, the situation in Lebanon is deeply distressing, with over 2000 people killed, and the displacement of more than 1.2 million civilians.
The attacks against UNIFIL are unacceptable – the safety and security of UN peacekeepers and aid workers must be ensured at all times.
The recently extended US-brokered ceasefire agreed by Israel and Lebanon is an important step forward. We call on all parties to the conflict, including Hizballah, to adhere to it.
We call for an end to the conflict, respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, and full, swift, disarming of Hizballah in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.
President,
The human cost of ongoing violence in the Middle East is mounting. Australia calls for de-escalation and for all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and human rights.
Thank you.