Penny Wong warns two state solution is only way forward for Israel and Palestine
Penny Wong has sensationally doubled down on her message to Israel issuing what is her strongest statement yet on Australia’s stance over their ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.
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Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has demanded an end to the “cycle of violence” between Israel and its adversaries calling for a two state solution with Palestine.
“The end game should be peace and security in the region, peace and security for Israelis,” Senator Wong said.
“That will require a two-state solution that is the only pathway to long term peace and security for both Israelis and for Palestinians.”
Senator Wong made the comments in a fiery appearace on Sky News Sunday Agenda.
“I would say to Israel, we want you to listen to the international community. It is true that Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation. It is true that they have not been complying with UN Security Council resolutions, but we see the horrific loss of life in Gaza. We see 11,000 children killed,” she said.“The world does not want to see more civilian deaths. We have to find a different way to deal with the with the legitimate issues of concern in relation to the border.”
The comments came after Penny Wong has urged the United Nations to set a deadline for the declaration of Palestinian statehood and advance a two-state solution, stating “the world cannot wait”.
“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,” the foreign minister said in a powerful speech at the General Assembly in New York overnight.
“A two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, is the opposite of what Hamas wants. Hamas does not want peace, and it does not want security for the State of Israel. Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel’s security.
“There can be no role for terrorists.”
The speech came shortly after Israel launched its heaviest bombardment of the Lebanese capital Beirut in the last year, targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The city shook during the strikes, glowing orange as six buildings were flattened and a high number of civilian casualties were reported throughout the area.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the main command centre was below civilian buildings in the suburb of Dahiyeh suburb, a known Hezbollah stronghold.
It’s unknown whether Nasrallah survived the attacks; Hezbollah sources told AFP and Reuters he was alive, while an Iranian security official said they were checking his status.
Senator Wong earlier this week confirmed Australia will provide $2m in humanitarian assistance to civilians in Lebanon affected by the conflict.
Speaking to her Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib, the foreign minister confirmed the aid will be sent to the UN Children’s Fund to help people in southern Lebanon.
It will provide medical care, food, water and education while they are displaced.
The pair spoke about the escalation in the conflict and Senator Wong pressed the Lebanese government to use its influence to press Hezbollah to de-escalate its battle with Israel.
Senator Wong also issued a stern warning to Israel, stating “war has rules” and that “Israel must comply” with the orders of the International Court of Justice regarding humanitarian aid.
“The suffering across the region must end. Hostages must be released. Aid must flow.”
Some 1200 people were killed when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel last October, marking the greatest lost of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust; however, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s response. On top of that, nearly two million Gazans have been displaced and many are facing acute food insecurity.
Last year was the deadliest year on record for aid workers, while Senator Wong stated 2024 is “on track to be even worse” - more than 300 have been killed in Gaza since the start of the conflict, making it the most dangerous place on earth to be an aid worker.
“This must end,” Senator Wong said.
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