Australia’s Potential Recognition of Palestinian State: What You Should Know
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has raised the possibility of Australia recognizing Palestinian statehood as a means to advance the quest for peace. However, she emphasized that any recognition should not involve Hamas in governance.
Wong’s remarks signify a potential shift in Australia’s stance, which has historically aligned closely with Israel. The suggestion of recognizing Palestine as an independent state comes amidst growing international pressure for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Australia’s longstanding position has been that recognition of Palestinian statehood should be part of a negotiated two-state solution with Israel. Wong’s comments align with similar sentiments expressed by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron earlier, hinting at the UK’s potential recognition of Palestinian statehood independent of Israel’s support.
In recent months, the Australian government has increasingly voiced concerns over the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This concern was amplified after an Australian aid worker was killed in an Israeli airstrike, alongside six others.
Wong stressed the urgency of a two-state solution, asserting it as the sole means to break the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. She acknowledged frustrations with the failure of past approaches and criticized the Netanyahu government’s reluctance to engage on the Palestinian statehood issue.
However, Australia’s opposition, led by Simon Birmingham, opposes unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, emphasizing a long-standing bipartisan policy. Birmingham argues that such a move prioritizes statehood over security and could be perceived as rewarding terrorists.
Jeremy Leibler, President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, echoed Birmingham’s sentiments, deeming discussions of Palestinian statehood premature. He emphasized the need for Hamas’s removal and the emergence of new Palestinian leadership committed to non-violence and recognizing Israel’s right to exist.
Contrary to critics’ views, Wong defended the recognition of Palestinian statehood, rejecting claims that it would reward Hamas. She argued that Israel’s security hinges on a two-state solution and that recognizing Palestinian statehood could help undermine Hamas’s influence.
Currently, around 140 countries recognize Palestinian statehood, but major powers like the US, UK, Germany, and Australia do not. The United Nations is expected to discuss granting Palestine full membership, with the conflict in Gaza intensifying international pressure for a resolution.
