Israel Gaza: Australia hints it could recognise Palestinian state
Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, has suggested the country could recognise Palestinian statehood, to increase momentum towards peace.
However, Hamas could have no role in its governance, Wong said.
But Australia’s opposition and the Zionist Federation of Australia say such a move would be premature.
Canberra has long said that recognition of a Palestinian nation could only come as part of a two-state solution brokered with Israel.
Australia is working with countries that have influence in the Middle East to help protect and support civilians, advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire, to prevent conflict from spreading, and to reinforce the need for a just and enduring peace.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) April 8, 2024
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has hinted the UK could recognise Palestinian statehood without the support of Israel.
The Australian government has in recent months increasingly voiced concerns about the war in Gaza.
Wong said on Tuesday that a two-state solution – where Israelis and Palestinians lived side by side in separate countries – was “the only hope to break the endless cycle of violence”.
“The failures of this approach by all parties over decades – as well as the Netanyahu government’s refusal to even engage on the question of a Palestinian state – have caused widespread frustration,” she said.
“So the international community is now considering the question of Palestinian statehood as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution.”
Eid al-Fitr Australia – time of ‘sorrow’
After Ramadan’s days of worship and fasting, Eid al-Fitr is a special time for Muslim Australians to come together as a community in prayer, hospitality and generosity.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) April 10, 2024
This year the suffering in Gaza will mean many Muslim Australians will mark Eid al-Fitr with sorrow.