Australia faces a split in public opinion regarding the potential recognition of a Palestinian state ahead of a significant vote at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023. Recent polling indicates that while about a quarter of voters support this recognition, a significant portion believes it should be contingent on specific conditions being met first.
The exclusive survey revealed that 24 percent of Australians support the proposition that the country should recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN meeting, regardless of who governs Gaza. In contrast, 32 percent of respondents argue that recognition should wait until Hamas is removed from power or until Palestine acknowledges Israel’s right to exist. A notable 44 percent of voters oppose any change to Australia’s current stance of not recognizing Palestine.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia’s intention to recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly, citing pledges from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding forthcoming elections and the exclusion of Hamas from governance structures. Albanese highlighted the importance of a statement from the Arab League, which called for Hamas to demilitarize and relinquish its claim to govern Gaza, as a key factor in this decision.
The poll results also indicate that support for recognition varies among political affiliations. Among Labor Party voters, opinions are nearly evenly divided on whether to proceed with recognition in September or to wait for certain conditions to be addressed. Approximately 43 percent of Labor voters do not support changing the status quo.
Historically, the Palestinian Authority, primarily led by the Fatah party, has recognized Israel’s right to exist since the 1990s and has officially renounced terrorism. In contrast, leaders of Hamas have consistently rejected recognizing Israel, although they have shown openness to the idea of a Palestinian state existing alongside it.
As discussions continue and the date for the UN Assembly approaches, the debate around Australia’s recognition of Palestine remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader implications for peace efforts in the Middle East. The mixed sentiments among Australians highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges of reconciling differing political perspectives.
