PM Albanese Defies US Fury, Doubles Down on Palestine Recognition in Emotional UN Address
- Anthony Albanese receives applause from world leaders after announcing Australia’s formal recognition of Palestine as a state
- The Prime Minister declares Hamas can have ‘no role in Palestine’s future’ and renews calls for the group to return hostages immediately and with dignity
- Australia joins Britain, Canada, and Portugal in formally recognising a Palestinian state, with more countries, including France, set to follow suit
Anthony Albanese has sent a powerful message to the global community, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict during a passionate address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Australian Prime Minister’s bold move, which has been met with applause from world leaders, comes despite fierce backlash from the US White House. In his speech, Albanese declared that the terrorist organisation Hamas can have ‘no role in Palestine’s future’ and urged the group to return hostages immediately and with dignity.
‘We have been clear: the terrorist organisation Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future,’ Albanese told world leaders. ‘Our recognition was predicated on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, reaffirming Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, that Hamas turn over its weapons to Palestinian security forces and never control Gaza again.’
Albanese’s address comes a day after Australia’s formal recognition of Palestine as a state, joining Britain, Canada, and Portugal in this historic move. France is set to follow suit, adding strength to the international community’s commitment towards a two-state solution.
‘This comes alongside the continued illegal expansion of settlements on the West Bank and an increase in settler violence, threats to annex parts of Palestine and permanently displace the Palestinian people,’ Albanese continued, urging the Israeli government to ‘accept its share of responsibility’ for the ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza.
The Prime Minister’s emotional plea comes as the crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with tens of thousands of civilians killed and denied vital aid. Albanese expressed his hopes for a better future for children in Gaza, stating that ‘that future depends on recognition being followed by reconstruction and reform, a credible, cooperative peace plan supporting recovery in Gaza and security for Israel, establishing governance and excluding Hamas on the day after and every day after that.’