‘The world cannot wait’: Penny Wong pushes for UN to set timeline on declaration of Palestinian state

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Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged the UN to set a timeline for the international declaration of a Palestinian state, urging nations that the world “cannot wait”.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ms Wong said it was time for the “cycle of conflict” to be broken amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, reiterating the “frustration” 77 years since the General Assembly adopted a resolution for the establishment of a Jewish and Palestinian state side-by-side.

She also repeated Australia’s call – one jointly held with 152 other countries – for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the heightened state of conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Sudan and the new offensive in Lebanon.

“77 years later, that Palestinian state still does not exist – long held out as the promise at the end of a peace process that has ground to a halt,” Ms Wong told the UN.

“The world cannot wait. We must all contribute new ways to break the cycle of conflict.”

Ms Wong said Australia wants to engage on new ways to build “momentum” in bringing Resolution 181 – the establishment of Arab and Jewish states in Palestine – to fruition, including the role of the Security Council in setting a pathway and “clear timeline” for the dual states.

“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.

“To give the Palestinian people the opportunity to realise their aspirations through self-determination… (and) to strengthen the forces for peace across the region and undermine extremism.”

Ms Wong tempered her suggestion by stating Hamas did not want such a solution.

“There can be no role for terrorists. And it will need a reformed Palestinian Authority,” she said.

“Right now, the suffering across the region must end. Hostages must be released. Aid must flow.”

Ms Wong also touched on the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom and her colleagues, following Australia pushing for a declaration to protect humanitarian personnel earlier this week. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia

In her address to the UN, Ms Wong also touched on the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom and her World Kitchen colleagues, who were killed in an Israel Defence Force (IDF) strike in April.

Earlier this week, Australia pushed for a new declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel.

The IDF had dismissed two others and reprimanded three others over the death of Ms Frankcom and her colleagues.

Ms Wong said the new declaration would be developed over the coming months and “demonstrate the unity of the international community’s commitment to protect aid workers and to channel that commitment into action in Gaza, in Sudan, in Ukraine and in all current and future conflicts.”

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