Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to defend Australia’s position on Palestinian recognition during a series of high-profile meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. On Tuesday, September 26, 2023 (AEST), he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron for their third official discussion, where the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is expected to be a focal point.
The prime minister’s agenda includes addressing a summit aimed at discussing solutions to the war between Israel and Hamas, co-chaired by President Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During his address, Mr. Albanese plans to draw parallels between the struggles of Palestinians and those of Jewish people prior to the establishment of Israel. He is expected to state, “In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people. It means real hope for a place they can call home. This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people.”
The prime minister will also urge the Israeli government to “accept its share of responsibility” for the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Gaza. His remarks come amid a wave of countries, including Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Portugal, Malta, and Andorra, moving to formally recognize Palestine. Currently, about 150 of the UN’s member states, or over three-quarters, acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
Political tensions surrounding this stance are escalating. A group of 25 Republican politicians in the United States has expressed opposition to Australia’s recognition of Palestine, suggesting that “punitive measures” could be enacted against nations supporting Palestinian statehood. This coalition, including former presidential candidate Ted Cruz, argues that these nations are “rewarding terrorism.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has responded to the American lawmakers, asserting that the decision to recognize Palestine does not reflect the sentiment of a majority of Australians. Citing a recent Resolve poll, Ley noted that 44% of voters opposed the government’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, 32% preferred waiting until Hamas is no longer in power, and only 24% supported the Labor government’s recognition.
“I write to reassure you, and the Congress, that this decision taken at this time by the Labor government does not enjoy bipartisan support here in Australia. The federal opposition opposes this decision and would reverse it should we form government,” Ley stated in her correspondence.
Additionally, Ley has indicated plans to visit the United States in early December, where she may engage in further discussions on this issue. Albanese is also working to secure a meeting with former President Donald Trump, though he may only have a brief conversation with him at a leaders’ reception scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (AEST).
As the UN General Assembly convenes, the global dialogue surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to evolve, with Australia taking a prominent role in advocating for Palestinian recognition on the world stage.
