NIF Supports Government Vote to Recognise Palestinian State

04/12/2024 – Sydney

The New Israel Fund welcomes news that the Australian government has voted at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to support the pathway to a two-state solution, including through “bring(ing) an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as rapidly as possible, to cease immediately all new settlement activities and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

In its ruling in September, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) reminded the world of what NIF has maintained for many years – the occupation of the Palestinian territories is illegal under international law and must be brought to an end “as rapidly as possible”. We have seen the consequences of the status quo laid bare and they are: human misery, loss of life, unimaginable suffering. NIF welcomes the government’s efforts to change the status quo and bring about two states to ensure peace and security for all in the region, via the UNGA. 

Consistent with what our partners on the ground, Mitvim and the Berl Katznelson foundation, called for in the Israeli Initiative, a plan for a long-term peace produced in March of this year, the annex to the UNGA motion also recognises the urgent need to convene a high level conference next year to advance the prospects of peace. 

This war has continued for far too long and cost far too many human lives. It is the product of decades of extremism on all sides, a sustained military occupation, and an inability of leaders to fight for an alternative reality. 

NIF supports the Australian government’s decision to exert its influence as a power for an alternative reality, working with its international allies to achieve a resolution that it can support at the UNGA. NIF reiterates its commitment to a two-state solution, which can only be brought about by a ceasefire and hostage deal, and a peace process that recognises a Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel. 

As peace activist Maoz Inon reminded us this week, “peace is inevitable, but it requires action to become a reality.”  

Media contact:

Michael Chaitow (NIF), 0432 629 342

About Us

NIF Australia

NIF Australia was formed in 2011 when Naomi Chazan, then-president of NIF Israel and the former deputy speaker of the Knesset, visited Australia. In the more than ten years since its formation, NIF Australia has raised over $5 million, distributing grants to important civil society organisations in Israel, and facilitating new conversations about Israel inside the Australian Jewish community. Our community promotes freedom, equality and social justice by funding Israeli nonprofits and fostering new discussions in the Australian Jewish community.