Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (Rtd) will serve as Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Israel’s response to the Israel Defense Forces strikes which killed Zomi Frankcom, and six of her World Central Kitchen colleagues. Air Chief Marshal Binskin served as Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2014 to 2018, and prior to…
It is with overwhelming sadness that the Australian Government confirms the death of an Australian aid worker in Gaza. The tributes flowing for Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom tell the story of a life dedicated to the service of others, including her fellow Australians during natural disasters. Her tireless work to improve the lives of others should…
On 22 March 2024, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP hosted the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs the Rt Hon Lord David Cameron and the Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon…
Australia has imposed further counter-terrorism financing sanctions on 12 persons and three entities linked to Hamas, Hizballah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This action is concurrent with further sanctions imposed on Hamas-linked targets by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. Those sanctioned include Hamas leaders, financial facilitators, and persons who have provided training to…
Australia will provide an additional $21.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the Middle East, including in response to the urgent and ongoing humanitarian needs resulting from the Hamas-Israel conflict. This funding will be directed to conflict affected populations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to address the ongoing regional refugee crisis, with a focus on…
This week I will travel to Jordan, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the United Arab Emirates, to support international diplomatic efforts towards a durable peace in the Middle East. One hundred days since the October 7 terror attacks, I will use Australia’s voice to advocate for a pathway out of the current conflict, an…
Joint statement with: The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, United Kingdom The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the UK are deeply concerned by recent events in Israel and the West Bank which further reduce the prospects…
Today the Government has reaffirmed Australia’s previous and longstanding position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people. This reverses the Morrison Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Australia’s embassy has always been, and remains, in…
“The report’s findings are concerning, and we expect the government to review it closely, assess the situation on the ground, and make representations about Australia’s view. “Labor does not agree with the use of the term “apartheid”. It’s not a term that’s been found to apply by any international court and is not helpful in…
