Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he wants to see conditions met that achieve lasting security for Israel before Australia commits to recognition of a Palestinian state.
The conditions match those put forward by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: the demilitarisation of Palestine, reform of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the exit of Hamas from control of Gaza. Mr Albanese says he wants to see progress before Australia makes the same call.
“Those stipulations need to be advanced. That’s the point. We want to make sure its not just a gesture.”
Mr Albanese acknowledged “significant advances” recently by the Palestinian Authority on commitments to Israel’s security.
“The decision to recognise (Palestine) on the path to two states being created would make a positive difference … but in order for that to be a achieved there needs to be security for the state of Israel.”
Mr Albanese also said Australia will not be dictated to by the United States or any other nation when it comes to making a decision on recognising a Palestinian state.
On Thursday Canada joined France and the United Kingdom in indicating they would, with conditions, recognise a Palestinian state during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September.
Pressed on the issue, Mr Albanese said Australia would not be beholden to a timeline of joining those nations at the UN General Assembly.
France, the UK and Canada have indicated their intentions to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. (AP: Yuki Iwamura)
“It will be a decision by the Australian government based upon the assessment that my fellow Cabinet members will make, that us making that declaration will actually make a difference and be a positive step towards the realisation of the two-state goal,” Mr Albanese told 7.30.
Like other world leaders Mr Albanese said conditions would have to be met.
“I believe very strongly that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people need to be realised,” Mr Albanese told 7.30.
Mr Albanese said there has been significant progress on the pathway to “the creation of two states” and that recognising a Palestinian state will make a contribution to that process.
“That decision to recognise on the path to a two state being created would make a positive difference,” he said.
“In recent times, we’ve seen some significant advances, including the statement by the Palestinian Authority on June 10, recognising Israel, opposing any future involvement of Hamas in a Palestinian state, committing to democratic elections within 12 months of a Palestinian state being created and excluding Hamas from that process.”
Mark Carney says Canada intends to formally recognise Palestinian statehood. (Reuters: Patrick Doyle)
The decisions of Mr Starmer, Mr Carney and Mr Macron to offer that support for a Palestinian State have drawn the ire of Israel.
When Mr Macron announced his plans, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted the following on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at nations offering support for a Palestinian state. (Reuters: Ronen Zvulun)
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” Mr Netanyahu wrote.
“Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”
The UK and Canadian decisions were met with similar responses.
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the Canadian statement earlier on Thursday.
“The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages,” it wrote on X in a statement.
Opportunity for Trump, says PM
One of Israel’s biggest supporters has been the United States.
After Mr Starmer’s announcement US President Donald Trump would not be drawn on a position other than to say he was focused on getting aid into Gaza.
Keir Starmer says Britain will recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel moves to end the war in Gaza. (Reuters: Toby Melville)
Mr Albanese told 7.30 any US decision or lack thereof would have no bearing on what Australia does.
“We’ll make our own decisions, but clearly the United States have a role to play here,” he said.
“The United States has significant influence, not just over Israel, but also over countries that they have strong relationships with, such as Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations in the region.
“I think there is an opportunity for the United States to play a leadership role here for President Trump to play a role that of course will be a matter for them.”
Israel’s military operation in Gaza — which was triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel — has continued ever since with large-scale strikes.
The situation in Gaza is now worsening with over 60,000 dead, according to the Gazan Health Ministry, and reports of starvation.
Local health authorities in Gaza say the number of people dying of starvation has increased in recent weeks. (Reuters: Khamis Al-Rifi)
Mr Albanese said the actions of Israel that have impacted civilians in Gaza are unacceptable.
“Israel’s actions are not defensible,” Mr Albanese said, before adding that Australia is prepared to do more to help with aid.
There has been increasing pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza. (Reuters: Dawoud Abu Alkas)
“Australia is certainly prepared to provide additional aid to Gaza.
“We have a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there and Australia is willing to play our part.
“They [Israel] need to allow aid to flow freely into Gaza so as to avoid what we’re seeing there with innocent people being deprived of essential food and water.
“That is indeed something that is bringing … legitimate criticism of the actions of the Netanyahu government.”
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