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Penny Wong on Gaza

Calls for ceasefire, Two-state solution (strong)

TL;DR

Penny Wong strongly advocates for an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded flow of aid, and a two-state solution for enduring peace in Gaza.

Key Points

  • She called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza in a petition response from December 2023.

  • Wong has stated that permanent forced displacement is a violation of international law, urging Israel against occupying Gaza City in August 2025.

  • Australia welcomes peace plans that commit to denying Hamas any role in the future governance of Gaza, as announced in October 2025.

Summary

Penny Wong, as Australia's Foreign Minister, has taken a firm stance on the Gaza conflict, consistently calling for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Her position centers on demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unimpeded flow of aid—including food, fuel, and medicine—and the release of all hostages. She has explicitly stated that permanent forced displacement constitutes a violation of international law, urging Israel not to pursue plans that would worsen the catastrophe.

She maintains that a two-state solution, featuring a Palestinian state and the State of Israel living side-by-side securely, is the only pathway to achieving an enduring peace. In joint statements, she has expressed gratitude for diplomatic efforts by partners like the US, Qatar, and Egypt, while also condemning unacceptable rhetoric from Israeli officials regarding the flattening of specific areas. Her position reflects a diplomatic effort to push for peace while supporting partners involved in negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Penny Wong's core position is to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to halt the unfolding famine and humanitarian catastrophe. She strongly advocates for the unimpeded flow of aid and consistently champions a two-state solution as the only path to enduring peace.

While the fundamental calls for peace and aid have remained consistent, the specific diplomatic actions and statements evolve with the situation. She has condemned specific Israeli government actions, such as a proposed city takeover, indicating a responsive stance within the framework of her core policy.

The Foreign Minister has described the humanitarian suffering in Gaza as reaching unimaginable levels, warning that famine is unfolding before their eyes. She calls for humanitarian space to be protected and demands that essential aid shipments are authorized and unblocked without lethal force at distribution sites.

Sources5

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.