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
23 October 2025
Thank you, President.
This debate comes at a historic time for the Middle East.
Australia welcomes the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the agreement to President Trump’s peace plan.
For the first time in years of immense suffering, both Israelis and Palestinians can have real hope for an enduring peace.
We commend the leadership of President Trump and applaud the United States, and the other mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, for their enduring efforts and critical role in bringing about this deal.
Australia has been steadfast in calling for the release of the hostages so cruelly taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023, and we join so many others, in this room and around the world, in feeling relief at the release of the living hostages.
We continue to call for the dignified return of hostage remains, in line with the agreement. This historic agreement has given us a strong starting point, but there remain challenges ahead.
Australia urges all parties to uphold the terms of the ceasefire and work towards implementing the plan in full.
Regional and international support will be essential to safeguarding this fragile peace.
Every effort must now be made to end the suffering and starvation in Gaza.
Innocent civilians have suffered for too long.
We urge Israel to comply with its obligations under international law and the binding orders of the International Court of Justice.
This includes ensuring the unimpeded flow of aid at scale in full cooperation with the United Nations, and the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel.
President,
Australia recognised the State of Palestine in September, as part of a coordinated international effort to inject new momentum for a two-state solution.
A two-state solution has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas and our belief that it can have no role in Palestine’s future.
Together with our partners, Australia will continue to do what we can to contribute to a just and enduring peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Thank you.