Penny Wong has used a speech to the United Nations to call for a clear timeline for Palestinian recognition.
Australia shares the frustrations felt by a majority of nations that a Palestinian state still does not exist, Senator Wong said, despite a UN plan setting out steps for a two-state solution more than 77 years ago.
"The world cannot wait," she told the UN General Assembly.
"Australia no longer sees Palestinian recognition as the destination of a peace process, but a contribution of momentum towards peace."
Australia's Jewish community called for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)
Senator Wong urged members of the UN Security Council to build momentum by developing a clear timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood.
"Because a two-state solution is the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence - the only hope to see a secure and prosperous future for both peoples," she said.
In New York the foreign minister met with several leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and the foreign ministers of both Jordan and Lebanon "to discuss the alarming escalation in conflict".
She also announced Australia will provide $2 million in humanitarian aid to the UN Children's Fund to support civilians in Lebanon impacted by the conflict.
Her calls comes a week shy of one year since Hamas - designated a terrorist group by the Australian government - attacked Israel, killing 1200 people and taking more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Since then, Israel's offensive in Gaza has killed almost 42,000, according to local health officials.
The conflict recently spilled over into Lebanon with Israel's defence forces responding after designated terrorist group Hezbollah fired hundreds of missiles at Israel.
I met with Lebanon's Foreign Minister Habib to discuss the alarming escalation in conflict, and the need for de-escalation and a practical pathway to peace.— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) We want to see a ceasefire in Lebanon, as well as in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/JwOedMwjwGSeptember 27, 2024
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia backed the call by the United States for an immediate ceasefire in Israel, Lebanon and Gaza.
"The current course being taken will not bring enduring security and prosperity for either Israelis or Palestinians," he said.
The anniversary of the conflict is expected to prompt gatherings of Australians on both sides, including a candlelight vigil in Melbourne's Federation Square.
Marchers will gather on Sunday at the State Library in Melbourne and Sydney Town Hall, and in smaller cities and towns to protest the escalation of the conflict across Lebanon's borders.
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