Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard and former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer have issued a statement condemning the Albanese Government’s decision to recognize Palestine as a state. This move comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas’ violent attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The two former leaders assert that this recognition violates international law and prioritizes short-term political goals over established legal frameworks.
In their joint statement, Howard and Downer criticized the Albanese Government for aligning with a select group of countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, to support the Palestinian statehood initiative at an upcoming United Nations meeting. They argue that such a decision undermines the longstanding trust between Australia and Israel and reflects poorly on the leadership qualities displayed by former Labor leaders like Bob Hawke and H. V. Evatt. Evatt notably served as the President of the UN General Assembly from 1948 to 1949.
“This recognition is not a mere symbolic gesture,” they stated. “It raises critical questions about the respect for international law and the principles that govern our international relations.” The former leaders emphasized that the recognition of a sovereign state should not be based on political sentiment but rather on adherence to legal standards.
According to the Montevideo Convention, a state must possess a defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government, and the capacity to engage in relations with other states. Howard and Downer argue that Palestine does not fulfill these criteria, rendering the recognition a political maneuver rather than a legitimate legal action. They described this as not only poor diplomacy but a potential betrayal of the rules-based international order.
In their statement, they acknowledged the suffering resulting from the conflict in Gaza but placed the blame squarely on the actions of Hamas, particularly referencing the group’s attack on October 7, 2023. “The cruel, unjustified, and aggressive action of Hamas is responsible for the current distressing situation,” they asserted.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond the immediate conflict. Howard and Downer warn that the existing rules-based international system is already under strain due to conflicts in places like Ukraine and the geopolitical ambitions of China. They contend that recognizing Palestine prematurely would further destabilize this system and embolden those seeking to undermine international law.
As the debate continues, the call for careful consideration of the facts amidst rising emotional rhetoric in public discourse remains crucial. The former Prime Ministers urge those who value international law to resist what they term a “reckless and dangerous course.”
