Australia voted in favour of this resolution because we support the resolution’s reaffirmation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state.

Australia’s longstanding and principled position has been to support a two-state solution. Our support for this resolution is without prejudice to our view that a two-state solution can only be achieved through a negotiated outcome between the parties.

Australia remains a firm friend of Israel and we will continue to oppose anti-Israel bias in multilateral fora. We do not condone actions by parties that diminish the prospects of peace and will continue to encourage parties to take the courageous steps necessary to return to direct negotiation in good faith.

Australia continues to believe that references to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the security barrier should reflect the opinion’s non-binding character.

I thank you.