SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Joint Statement

Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of North Macedonia, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Timor-Leste remain deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon.

We welcome the ceasefire agreed between the United States, Israel and Iran. We call for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon.

Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected from the effects of hostilities.

Humanitarian personnel, who dedicate themselves to protecting and assisting the most vulnerable, must be respected and protected.

Attacks that threaten the safety and security of humanitarian personnel must stop. International humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties to the conflict in all circumstances.

Respect for international humanitarian law is essential to preserving human dignity, mitigating civilian harm, and maintaining the space needed for humanitarian action and access.

We condemn in the strongest terms actions that have killed UN peace keepers and significantly increased the risks faced by humanitarian personnel in southern Lebanon.

Meaningful accountability and justice are critical for violations of international law that harm humanitarian personnel or impede their activities.

In September 2025, over 100 nations launched a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, committing to protect aid workers in conflict zones.

We will continue working together to ensure that those who work to save the lives of others do not have to sacrifice their own.

Media Contacts:
Foreign Minister's Office: 02 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.