Australia Hints It Could Recognize Palestinian State
Australia has suggested the country could recognize Palestinian statehood, to increase momentum towards peace.
Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, however says Hamas could have no role in its governance.
Both 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.
About 140 countries recognize Palestinian statehood, but many including the US, the UK, Germany and Australia do not.
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However Ms Wong said claims that recognition of a Palestinian state would be rewarding the enemy were wrong. Israel’s security depends on a two-state solution, she said, and recognition of statehood would help undermine and marginalise Hamas.
About 140 countries recognise Palestinian statehood, but many including the US, the UK, Germany and Australia do not.
The United Nations is this week set to consider granting Palestine – which is currently an observer state – full membership of the international body.
The war in Gaza, Israel’s response to a Hamas-led attack on 7 October that killed about 1,200 people and saw more than 250 taken hostage, has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Large parts of the territory are destroyed and many other Palestinians have been left on the brink of famine.
Weeks of talks have failed to produce an agreement but international pressure is growing.
