United Nations Security Council: Quarterly debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
Statement by Ms Briony Daley Whitworth, Political Counseller and Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
28 July 2026
Thank you, President.
Eight months since the adoption of Resolution 2803, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Millions of Palestinians remain displaced, and more than 1,100 have been killed since the October ceasefire, with thousands more injured.
Australia wants to see an end to this suffering. That is why we supported President Trump’s peace plan and Resolution 2803, which presents the most viable route available to end the suffering in Gaza and bring stability.
Improved humanitarian access is a fundamental part of that plan, but the suffering in Gaza continues to be exacerbated by unnecessary impediments and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
These restrictions must be lifted. Border crossings must be fully opened to allow aid to flow unimpeded to those in desperate need, and UN agencies and NGOs must be allowed to perform their vital work.
Humanitarian workers must be respected and protected, in line with international law and the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
Australia is proud to play a role in assisting Palestinians in need and we commend the extraordinary efforts of humanitarian organisations delivering vital services in difficult conditions. The Australian Government recently announced new support for recovery in Gaza, including $15 million to the UN Horizon Fund.
President,
A two-state solution has always been the only pathway to enduring peace and security for both Israel and Palestine. Australia has ceaselessly advocated for this.
That is why we recognised the State of Palestine almost a year ago – as part of coordinated international efforts to build momentum towards achieving this goal.
Strengthened Palestinian institutions are essential to advancing a two-state solution. That is why we are working with partners to bolster the institutional foundations of Palestine, including by supporting reforms to governance and public institutions and promoting economic development.
This includes a $10 million contribution to the World Bank’s Palestinian Fund for Reconstruction and Development to strengthen the Palestinian Authority’s public financial management.
President,
Australia opposes all actions that risk fuelling further violence and instability.
We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas, including for its atrocities on 7 October 2023 and its ongoing acts of terror. Hamas must disarm and play no role in the governance of Palestine.
In the West Bank, Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements continues to present a major obstacle to peace. It has been accompanied by unprecedented levels of settler violence.
Australia recently joined partners in imposing further sanctions on violent settlers and related entities for their serious human rights abuses against Palestinians.
Israel must hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and cease ongoing settlement activity. Altering the demographic composition of Palestine is unacceptable.
Achieving lasting peace also requires stability beyond Gaza and the West Bank.
The dire situation in Lebanon is creating serious humanitarian impacts. We welcome trilateral efforts by Lebanon, Israel and the United States to support enduring peace and stability in the region. We want to see a durable end to the conflict, Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity respected and Hizballah disarmed in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.
President,
Australia has long called for de-escalation and an end to the Middle East conflict. The longer this war goes on, the greater the regional and global costs. We want to see negotiations between the US and Iran continue, the ceasefire to resume and for the Strait of Hormuz and other vital trade corridors in the region to be kept open.
Thank you.