Egypt welcomes Australia’s decision to resume reference to Israeli settlements as ‘illegal’

CAIRO – 9 August 2023: Egypt has welcomed Australia’s decision to deem the Israeli settlements “illegal under international law.”

In a post on X on Wednesday, Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said Egypt welcomes Australian foreign affairs minister Penny Wong’s announcement to resume the use of term “occupied Palestinian territories” including East Jerusalem.

This is a “positive step in respecting international legitimacy and protecting Palestinian rights,” Abu Zeid affirmed.

Speaking before Parliament on Tuesday, Wong said the Australian government will strengthen its opposition to Israeli settlements by affirming that they are “illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace.”

Last year, Australia reversed its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.