Part U
Israel and Palestine
- Labor has long supported a two-state solution, and the right of Israel and Palestine to exist, as the only path towards a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, safety and security.
- As part of Australia’s contribution to that future, the Labor Government recognised the State of Palestine in September 2025, alongside the international community. Labor affirms the right to self-determination and principles of sovereignty, justice and dignity for Palestinians, in accordance with relevant United Nations conventions and Security Council resolutions.
- Labor opposes the annexation of Palestinian territory and wants Israel to bring its illegal settlement activity and the occupation to an end, to see security for Palestine, for Israel and for the region. Labor urges the Government to prevent any support being given to illegal settlement activity or extremist settler violence, and to implement further action and sanctions as necessary.
- Labor unreservedly condemns terrorism and violent extremism, including as perpetrated by Hamas and other extremists.
- Labor reaffirms our belief that Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live their lives free from terror and violence.
- Labor believes in international law and will defend it. Labor supports the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court and compliance with their binding decisions. Labor acknowledges the findings of the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion on the Legal consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem.
- Under international humanitarian law, Israel must comply with obligations as an occupying power, including in respect of food and medical supplies for the Palestinian civilian population. Labor is part of the international demand for Israel to allow aid providers and NGOs to provide lifesaving assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, in full cooperation with the United Nations.
- Australia has always stood against the death penalty as an inhumane and degrading form of punishment. Labor condemns recent Knesset legislation and all other discriminatory laws which target Palestinians.
- Labor stands with local communities who are affected by this generations-long conflict. We will support initiatives that bring Israelis and Palestinians closer together, to advance a two-state solution based on internationally recognised borders. In the spirit of Labor values of respect, dignity and inclusion, Labor expresses our collective hope for a future where the peoples of Palestine and Israel and the region can live in peace and security.
