Australia's relationship with the Palestinian Authority and engagement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is in support of a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinian Authority has a representative office in Canberra and Australia has one in Ramallah. For Australia, both offices are a valuable interface with the Palestinian Authority. Our development cooperation and humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories contributes to stability and is a practical demonstration of our long-standing support for a two-state solution.

Political information

Australia does not recognise a Palestinian state. We are committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders.

Australian representation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Australia's official engagement with the Palestinians is through the Palestinian Authority. The Australian Representative Office in Ramallah (ARO), established in September 2000, facilitates Australia's relationship with the Palestinian Authority, and enables Australia to engage on political, economic and social developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The ARO aids Australia's support for the Middle East Peace Process through regular engagement with the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations, including the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, other representatives of the international community and civil society organisations.

The ARO also oversees the implementation of Australia's development cooperation program and humanitarian assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, which reflects and responds to Palestinians’ needs, and supports Australia’s interest in a more stable, secure Middle East.

More information on our development assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Travel information

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