Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has clearly stated that Australia will not follow France in recognizing a Palestinian state at this time. During an appearance on ABC TV’s Insiders on July 27, 2023, Albanese emphasized that any decision regarding recognition will come at the appropriate moment, asserting, “Are we about to imminently do that? No, we are not.”
In his remarks, Albanese raised critical questions regarding the involvement of Hamas in any potential Palestinian governance. He highlighted the difficulty of ensuring that a Palestinian state would operate in a manner that does not threaten Israel’s existence. Albanese stressed that Australia will not make recognition a mere gesture but will consider it only when the conditions for peace are met.
Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed support for Albanese’s cautious approach. He noted that Hamas is not only holding Israeli hostages but also the people of Gaza, thereby prolonging the conflict unnecessarily. Aghion stated, “Recognition of a Palestinian state can only mean something when there is a single Palestinian government in control of its territory.” He added that Hamas remains the primary obstacle to achieving that goal, making any form of recognition merely symbolic at this point.
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) echoed these sentiments. President Jeremy Leibler argued that a Palestinian state must function as a vehicle for peace rather than a reward for terrorism. He emphasized that recognition should come only after the release of all hostages, the dismantling of Hamas, and the emergence of a Palestinian leadership committed to peaceful coexistence with Israel.
ZFA Chief Executive Alon Cassuto welcomed the government’s articulation of these conditions, stating, “These are not arbitrary demands; they are the bedrock of any future Palestinian state that aspires to peace and legitimacy.” He outlined the necessity of addressing fundamental issues before any recognition can be considered.
The Executive Director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, Colin Rubenstein, expressed gratitude for Albanese’s recognition that tokenistic gestures would undermine the prospects for genuine peace. Rubenstein noted that premature recognition could encourage Palestinian rejection of negotiations that are essential for a two-state solution. He added that such recognition would constitute a reward for the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
While affirming the Prime Minister’s stance on Palestinian statehood, AIJAC raised concerns about Albanese’s comments regarding Israel’s adherence to international law. When asked if Israel was breaching international law, Albanese suggested that it was “quite clearly” doing so, citing restrictions on aid delivery. He remarked that the situation was a breach of morality and humanity, particularly referencing civilian casualties in Gaza.
Rubenstein contested Albanese’s interpretation of international law, specifically challenging the characterization of Israel’s aid restrictions as illegal. He referred to Article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which permits the halting of aid flows if they are being diverted or providing an advantage to enemy forces. He argued that this was applicable in Gaza at the time and criticized the use of the term “collective punishment,” stating it did not accurately reflect its legal definition.
Albanese’s comments followed announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron about plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. This has prompted calls from some Australian Labor figures, including backbencher Ed Husic and former Foreign Minister Bob Carr, urging Australia to consider a similar move.
As discussions surrounding recognition continue, Albanese’s firm stance reflects a cautious approach to a complex and sensitive issue, emphasizing the need for substantive progress on both sides before any formal recognition can take place.
