Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has intensified discussions regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, signaling a potential shift in the country’s foreign policy towards recognizing a Palestinian state. His recent engagements include conversations with both the head of the United Nations and the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. This diplomatic activity comes amidst growing international calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood.
During a phone call on Tuesday, Albanese and Abbas agreed to meet at the UN General Assembly in New York this September. The Prime Minister also spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last Friday, focusing on the upcoming assembly and the situation in Palestine. This exchange forms part of a broader set of diplomatic interactions as pressure mounts from various nations to endorse Palestinian statehood.
In a significant shift, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has articulated a sense of urgency regarding the matter. Speaking on ABC Radio on Tuesday, she stated, “There is a risk there will be no Palestine left to recognise if the international community does not move to create that pathway to a two-state solution.” Wong emphasized that without establishing a Palestinian state, peace and security for Israelis would remain elusive. Her longstanding position has been that a resolution to this conflict is essential for regional stability.
These discussions occur against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. Reports from Israeli media indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a full military occupation of Gaza. This potential escalation aims to compel Hamas to surrender and to recover Israeli hostages taken during the group’s attacks on October 7, 2023.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, the Australian government appears poised to take a definitive stance on Palestinian statehood, potentially aligning with a coalition of nations advocating for recognition. The outcome of these actions could have significant implications for the region and for Australia’s role in international diplomacy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
