Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his government’s position against immediate recognition of a Palestinian state, despite escalating international pressure following the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Albanese emphasized that the situation could potentially create an opportunity for a long-term peace solution while asserting that no timeline exists for Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood.
In a statement to reporters in Canberra on Wednesday, Albanese highlighted discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who indicated that the United Kingdom would move towards recognizing Palestine unless Israel implements a ceasefire and allows humanitarian aid into Gaza. This follows France becoming the first G7 nation to pledge recognition of Palestine ahead of a United Nations meeting scheduled for September.
“What we’re looking at is the circumstances where recognition will advance the objective of the creation of two states,” Albanese said. He expressed hope that the current crisis could serve as a catalyst for progress, stating, “Sometimes out of a crisis comes a moment of opportunity to actually advance forward in a real way.”
The backdrop to these diplomatic discussions is the violent conflict that erupted following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in thousands of deaths and around 200 hostages taken. The Israeli counteroffensive has reportedly led to the deaths of approximately 60,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Israel has restricted food and medical supplies to Gaza, where it controls all entry points, intensifying international calls for humanitarian access as deaths attributed to malnutrition rise.
Albanese condemned the ongoing violence, stating, “The world looks at what is happening in Gaza and expresses that it is unjustified and that it is a tragedy that the ongoing loss of innocent life, the ongoing impact of the decisions to restrict aid.” He emphasized the need for a humanitarian response amidst the escalating crisis.
Former cabinet minister Ed Husic urged the Australian government to capitalize on what he termed “moral momentum” by recognizing a Palestinian state. Husic stated, “Australia can lend its great weight to that momentum in making the decision to recognize.” He argued that such recognition could occur without legitimizing Hamas, potentially exerting pressure on the group.
In contrast, former US President Donald Trump expressed his opposition to increasing pressure on Israel, arguing that doing so would reward Hamas. Trump stated, “If you do that, you really are rewarding Hamas and I’m not about to do that,” while acknowledging the need for increased aid to Gaza.
The Australian Coalition echoed these sentiments, with opposition foreign spokeswoman Michaelia Cash asserting, “Australia should not reward Hamas with a pathway to statehood while they remain in control of Gaza and continue to hold Israeli hostages.” She emphasized the importance of not compromising on security issues.
Calls for recognition have also come from other sectors. Michele O’Neil, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, declared that the situation requires immediate action, stating, “Seeing starvation being used as a weapon of war is completely unacceptable.” She added that Australia needs to increase pressure on Israel regarding humanitarian access.
In a collective statement, Australia joined 14 other countries, including France, the UK, and Canada, in supporting the recognition of Palestine as a vital step towards a two-state solution. The statement, signed by the foreign ministers of these nations, condemned Hamas for its actions in the October 2023 attack and called for the immediate release of all hostages and a ceasefire. It also expressed concern over civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza while welcoming commitments to reform from within the Palestinian Authority.
As international discussions continue, the Australian government faces mounting pressure to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape while addressing humanitarian needs amid ongoing violence in the region.
