Jewish leaders highlight imbalance in Australia NZ Gaza statement

The Australian and New Zealand foreign and defence ministers have issued a joint statement criticising Israeli actions in Gaza while making no direct reference to Hamas.

This decision has prompted concern from Jewish community leaders about what they describe as an increasingly one-sided diplomatic framing of the conflict.

In a statement released on Tuesday 17 March 2026, following the Australia New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN) in Canberra, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters reaffirmed their support for “a just and enduring two-state solution”.

The ministers said they “urge all parties to uphold the terms” of US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, a United Nations-backed framework that includes the disarmament of militant groups, the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas from power.

However, despite calling on “all parties” to comply, the statement directs its specific criticism at Israel, expressing “deep concern” over settlement expansion, settler violence and restrictions on international non-governmental organisations.

The Gaza section does not mention Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel; nor does it refer to Hamas’s role in governing Gaza.

The omissions are notable given that the plan the ministers endorse focuses on dismantling Hamas’s military capability and securing the release of hostages as core conditions for any lasting settlement.

Executive Director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, Colin Rubenstein, said the statement reflected a broader pattern in international diplomacy.

“AIJAC welcomes the clear and principled stance in yesterday’s Australia/New Zealand joint ministerial statement against antisemitism after the Bondi attack, as well as its strong recognition of the Iranian regime’s long record as a destabilising force and a threat to international peace and security, including through its nuclear program, support for proxy terror groups, and brutal acts of violence against its own people,” he said.

“It is regrettable, however, that when addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the statement singles out Israel while omitting the central role of Hamas’ ongoing attacks and refusal to disarm, as well as the Palestinian Authority’s failure to reform or end the Pay-to-Slay policy of rewarding terrorists with salaries and commitments required by the Australian government when recognising a Palestinian state in August last year.

“Any credible pathway to peace requires acknowledging the full picture including those actors and actions that continue to drive and sustain the conflict.”

By contrast, earlier joint statements involving Australia and its partners have explicitly addressed Hamas alongside criticism of Israel, including calls for the release of hostages and the disarmament of militant groups.

The March 17 statement also places strong emphasis on humanitarian conditions, warning that restrictions on aid and non-governmental organisations are undermining relief efforts. That language reflects earlier positions taken by Wong and international counterparts in the 2025 “Joint statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza”, which called for “safe, large-scale access” for aid and urgent action to address civilian suffering.

Wong has continued to frame Australia’s position around international law, stating in recent remarks that “all parties must comply with international humanitarian law” while maintaining support for a two-state solution.

Critics argue that while humanitarian concerns are legitimate, the structure of the ANZMIN statement applies scrutiny in one direction, singling out Israel for detailed criticism while leaving Hamas largely unaddressed.

Despite these concerns, Australia and New Zealand said they would continue working with international partners to support implementation of the US-led plan and advance a negotiated two-state solution.