The push for recognition of the State of Palestine within the Labor Party is too momentous to be discussed solely in the context of factional infighting. Support for the Palestinian right to self-determination transcends factional and partisan divides. The merits of recognising this right speak for themselves.
The push for recognition is backed by overwhelming support among the Labor rank and file as well as among Australians more broadly. A Roy Morgan poll this year showed that 73 per cent of Australians support recognising Palestinian statehood.
This widespread support stems from the fact self-determination is a right enshrined in international law, international treaties and UN resolutions. The right of Palestinians to self-determination is not one of the issues that is open to negotiation with Israel, the international community or ALP factions.
By recognising the Palestinian state, Australia will recognise the right of Palestinians to freely determine their political status and pursue economic, social and cultural development within their state — the foundations of self-determination.
Recognition will solidify Australia’s reputation as a good international citizen and increase its soft power by aligning its position with that of international law, the UN and the vast majority of the international community.
Read the full article by Izzat  Abdulhadi at The Australian (subscription only).