Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Our government is deeply concerned by escalating violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. We unequivocally call on all leaders to take immediate steps to halt violence, to maintain restraint and to restore calm. We also call on parties to refrain from unilateral actions that destabilise peace. The focus of all parties should be to return to genuine discussions as soon as possible. Australia has for many years supported a two-state solution, and this has not changed. We continue to welcome any initiative that can assist the resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. We encourage the representatives of Israel and Palestinian representatives to enter into good faith negotiations and discussions.

In relation to issues of settlements, the foreign minister issued a statement on 1 July 2020 urging all parties to refrain from actions that diminish the prospects of a negotiated two-state solution, including acts of violence and terrorism, such as rocket attacks on civilians, and land appropriations, demolitions and settlement activity. Australia regularly raise our position about settlement activity with Israeli authorities. Indeed, the Prime Minister and Minister Payne have both done so. The Prime Minister has already said that settlements can at times undermine peace and contribute to the stalemate, and that indeed is why the government continues to urge parties to engage appropriately in discussions.