Australia Recognises Palestinian Statehood, Coalition Vows to Revoke Decision
In a significant shift in policy, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that his government will recognise a Palestinian state, citing Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza City and the humanitarian crisis in the region as key factors in the decision.
However, the opposition Coalition has vowed to revoke the recognition if it wins the next election.
Albanese made the announcement on Monday, stating that Australia would join the United Kingdom, France, and Canada in recognising a Palestinian state at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September.
The move comes amid mounting pressure to support the suffering people of Gaza, where Israel’s military response to a Hamas attack has killed over 61,000 people and left more than two million Palestinians facing severe food insecurity.
Opposition Promises Reversal
Opposition leader Sussan Ley has condemned the government’s decision, stating that a Coalition government would only recognise a Palestinian state at the conclusion of a proper peace process.
Ley claimed that the current decision would not deliver a two-state solution, improve the flow of aid, or bring an end to the terrorist group Hamas.
The Coalition Shadow Cabinet has resolved to oppose the government’s decision and revoke recognition if it wins the next election.
Ley argued that the move does not support the release of hostages and does not put an end to the crisis in Gaza.
Factors Behind the Decision
Albanese attributed the decision to recognise Palestinian statehood to Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City, as well as comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Australian Prime Minister accused Netanyahu of being in “denial” about the humanitarian cost of the war.
Albanese also highlighted the need for the international community to stop the cycle of violence and support a two-state solution.
The recognition of a Palestinian state is contingent upon commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including assurances that Hamas will play no role in any future government.
International Reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Australia’s decision, praising Albanese for “joining the momentum” towards a two-state solution.
However, Israel has labelled the recognition as counterproductive to peace in the Gaza Strip and has demanded the release of the remaining hostages.
The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network has warned that recognition could be “nothing but a veneer that allows Israel to continue brutalising Palestinians”.
The crisis in Gaza has sparked widespread protests in Australia, with tens of thousands of demonstrators marching across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge earlier this month.