The Parliamentary Friends of Palestine group welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine, which has been a legitimate aspiration for Palestinians since 1948.

The peace and security of Palestinians and Israelis rests on a two-state solution.
Recognition has been an objective for this group, since its inception. The Parliamentary Friends group was established in 1999 as a non-partisan forum to discuss and support issues of peace, justice and the rules-based international order.

The International Parliamentary Relations Office has provided advice that because Palestine has been recognised as a state by Australia, the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine can be established as an official Country Group. All Members and Senators can join this group in accordance with established practices.
We acknowledge the major commitments from the Palestinian Authority to reform and hold elections and welcome the efforts of the international community to develop a credible peace plan that builds the capacity of the State of Palestine.

While recognition of Palestine as a state is a significant step, the Friends remain deeply alarmed by the dire situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza.

We call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence.

Multiple UN reports conclude that Israel’s attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza are in breach of international humanitarian law. We condemn any such attacks on Palestinian civilians.

Friends of Palestine welcomes Australia’s clear statements of support for international law and respect for the independence of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

The world has witnessed a tragic loss of life of innocent civilians and the catastrophe of Israel’s failure to ensure adequate food, water and medical supplies.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed, injured and displaced, including women, children and the elderly.

We condemn the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank which are illegal under international law and the ongoing settler violence. These actions heighten tensions and further undermine stability, serving as a significant obstacle to peace.

The protection of civilian lives is paramount and international humanitarian law must be observed.

We stand with the Palestinian Australian and the Jewish-Australian communities who are deeply impacted by this catastrophic crisis.