Proscribed terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have endorsed the Albanese government’s decision not to move the Australian embassy to Jerusalem.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s decision not to move the Australia’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem has been backed in by proscribed terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, stoking further outrage over the diplomatic bungle.
Within hours of the Albanese government’s confirmation that the government would reverse plans to move the embassy, Palestinian Islamic Jihad called it “a courageous step and a victory for the Palestinian cause.”
Hamas also released a statement “welcoming” Australia’s decision, calling it “a step in the right direction for world peace and stability,” according to its website.
“I think it speaks volumes for the stupidity of this decision that it has been endorsed by two organisations that have been listed as terrorist organisations in Australia,” said shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser.
“This is just completely chaotic, the government had three positions in 24 hours, what is it about Jerusalem that Labor cannot see?”
“The Knesset (parliament) is there, the supreme court is there, it looks like the capital city of any other country, this is like saying the capital of Australia is not Canberra but Dubbo.”
“Why would they want to even appear to be on the same side as terrorist organisations,” Mr Leeser said
Others within the Jewish community also voiced their disappointment.
Read the article by James Morrow in The Daily Telegraph.