Australia plans on recognizing a Palestinian state next month at the United Nations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the planned Palestine recognition Monday.
Australia joins Canada, France and potentially in the United Kingdom in recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
All told, 147 of the UN’s 193 member countries already recognized a Palestinian state, including recent actions by Mexico, Ireland and Spain.
Israeli officials argue recognition of a Palestinian while Hamas continues to hold 20 living hostages taken in the Oct. 2023 attacks in the tunnels of Gaza is a victory for the militant group that has governed the Palestinian area since 2008
“Rewarding those who use terror as a political tool sends the dangerous message that violence brings political gains,” said Israel Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon. “By recognizing a Palestinian state now, Australia elevates the position of Hamas.”
Albanese said Hamas needs to release hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that sparked the war and that Hamas cannot have a role in a Palestinian state.
“Hamas continues to damage the prospects of a two-state solution and rejects Israel’s right to exist. Hamas must release the hostages cruelly taken on October 7, 2023 immediately, unconditionally and with dignity. The Australian Government has consistently made clear there can be no role for Hamas in a Palestinian state,” he said.
Albanese also joined the European and international chorus of criticizing Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conduct of the war and plans to expand control of Gaza.
Israel currently controls 75% of Gaza and is planning on a wider push.
“Australia is further compelled by the Netanyahu Government’s disregard of the international community’s calls, and its failure to comply with its legal and ethical obligations in Gaza. Israel is required to protect civilians and ensure the provision of food and medical supplies. Permanent forced displacement of civilians is illegal,” Albanese said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the Australia move and other recognitions of a Palestinian state a “grave and dangerous mistake” and rewards Hamas for its violence and hostage taking.