STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (13:50): For years, Australia has worked with international partners to build momentum for peace and to keep a two-state solution alive. The Netanyahu government's actions in the West Bank, the rapid expansion of settlements, the proposed E1 settlement development and flagrant settler violence are extinguishing the possibility of a two-state solution.

A two-state solution is the only path to enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. This is why, with partners, we recognised Palestine and are strengthening the institutional foundations of the State of Palestine. With partners, we imposed travel bans and targeted sanctions on Israeli ministers and others for their role in illegal settlements and settler violence.

We have stated businesses should not bid for construction tenders for illegal settlement developments. Today, I can announce Australia is pursuing further targeted measures in coordination with international partners to deter illegal settlements and settler violence. Australia is not, at this time, pursuing a blanket-style import ban.

We have concerns about the implementation of a blanket ban and unintended consequences for Australian businesses, for Palestinians and for Israelis, and we will continue to work with partners to protect the prospects of a two-state solution. Australia continues to call on Israel to take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground, including to stop settlers from destroying properties, displacing families and beating, torturing, sexually assaulting and killing Palestinians.

We condemn Hamas's ongoing acts of terror, which undermine a two-state solution. We want to see Hamas demilitarised in line with the Gaza peace plan. Hamas must play no role in the State of Palestine.