UNITED NATIONS THIRD COMMITTEE: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM, AND ISRAEL
Statement by Ms. Briony Daley Whitworth, Political Counsellor, New York
28 October 2025
Thank you Chair.
Australia thanks the Commission for its report, the details of which are of serious concern.
What we have seen in Gaza has been unacceptable, with more than two years of immense suffering and devastation.
We reiterate that Israel must comply with the binding provisional orders made by the International Court of Justice in the case against it under the Genocide Convention.
Every effort must be made to safeguard innocent life [and end the suffering of the people of Gaza.
The agreement to President Trump’s peace plan and the beginning of a ceasefire in Gaza is a rare and important moment of hope.
Australia welcomes what we hope will be an enduring peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
We welcome with immense relief the release of the hostages and continue our call for the return of hostage remains.
The suffering of the people in Gaza must also end – aid now must flow unimpeded to those in need.
We want to see the ceasefire maintained and urge all parties to adhere to the terms of the agreement and for its full implementation to be implemented in full.
In the West Bank, the expansion of Israeli settlements and violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians undermine the prospects for peace and a two-state solution.
Settlements are illegal under international law.
We repeat calls for Israel to cease settlement activity and hold perpetrators of settler violence to account.
Australia supports Palestinian statehood and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
We have recognised the State of Palestine as part of international efforts to inject new momentum for peace.
Australia will continue to contribute to a just and enduring two-state solution.