Albanese tells UN a two-state solution is the only path to Middle East peace

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told the United Nations General Assembly that a two-state solution is the only viable path to peace and security in Palestine, Israel and the broader Middle East.

He said Australia's decision last year to join other partners in recognising the state of Palestine was "motivated by the determination to try and end a cycle of violence that has stolen too many innocent lives".

Albanese said a two-state solution would allow the people of Israel and Palestine to "raise their children in freedom and safety".

He said Australia would continue to speak out against actions that damaged the prospect of peace, including illegal settlements in the West Bank.

Australia would also keep opposing any role for "the terrorists of Hamas" in Palestine's future, he said.

On Iran, Albanese said the conflict had taken a severe toll on the Middle East and had a devastating impact on the global economy.

He said Australia had been consistent in calling for a ceasefire and for freedom of navigation and trade to be restored.

He also called on Iran to halt its indiscriminate attacks on the region and abandon any program to obtain nuclear weapons.

Albanese said Australia was a strong supporter of freedom of navigation and overflight for all nations, and of efforts to combat nuclear proliferation.

"Australia stands for a safer world where no country dominates and no country is dominated," he said.

He said Australia was building new partnerships while continuing to work closely with its principal ally, the United States, and its major trading partner, China.

Albanese said 130 countries now supported a declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel, developed last year by Australia and eight partner nations. He said it set out practical measures for stronger accountability, safer access and better protection for aid workers in conflict zones.

As a member of the UN Security Council, he said, Australia would work to "prevent crisis, resolve conflicts and protect civilians through diplomacy, peace building and practical action".

Albanese is seeking a non-permanent seat on the council for Australia for 2029-2030.