Australian PM Accused of Abandoning Israeli Hostages with Palestine Recognition
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of abandoning Israeli hostages after announcing that his government will recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has slammed the decision, stating that it comes with no critical pre-conditions being met, including the role of Hamas in government, elections, demilitarisation of Gaza, and border issues.
The council claims that the recognition will give Hamas “no hope for release” and “leaves Hamas armed and in control of territory, creating the conditions for the next war rather than a comprehensive peace.”
Government’s Announcement Raises Concerns
The government’s announcement has raised concerns about the fate of Israeli hostages, including Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who are being held by Hamas in Gaza.
A recent video released by Hamas showed David digging with a shovel, appearing emaciated and skeletal, while telling the camera “this is the grave where I think I’m going to be buried in.”
Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have acknowledged the need for hostages to be released and for Hamas to be removed from power, but the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has expressed disappointment and frustration with the government’s decision.
Lack of Conditions for Recognition
The government’s recognition of Palestine comes without any agreed borders or a recognised government in the region.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has stated that Israel will feel “wronged and abandoned” by the decision, while the Palestinian Authority will feel that a “huge diplomatic prize has been dropped in its lap” despite its consistent failures to reform and democratise.
The council has also expressed concerns that Hamas and other Islamist groups will see the recognition as a reward for their barbarity and that it will lead to further bloodshed in the region.
International Reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labelled Australia’s recognition of Palestine “shameful” and has questioned the role of Hamas in a future Palestinian state.
The United States has also been briefed on the announcement, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirming that she spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the announcement.
The recognition of Palestine has sparked a heated debate in Australia, with some arguing that it is a necessary step towards peace in the region, while others believe that it will only lead to further conflict and instability.