The Palestinian government has seized on the Albanese government’s hardening of language on Israel to demand Australia join more than 130 countries to formally recognise Palestinian statehood.
Amid a backlash from Jewish groups, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended an announcement to revert to describing East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza as “occupied Palestinian territories” and to label Israeli settlements in the West Bank as “illegal” under international law.
Under questioning from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Mr Albanese denied the government had acted unilaterally.
“My government is a strong supporter of Israel and its right to exist within the borders,” he said.
“We also support a two-state solution that includes a Palestinian state. And my government has the same position as the Conservative government, led by Rishi Sunak, as the European governments, as the Australian governments historically have had as well.”
In a statement issued by its de facto embassy in Australia, Palestine’s foreign ministry hailed the decision.
“The ministry views this significant and important development in the Australian position positively, as it aligns with international law and United Nations resolutions, and supports global efforts aimed at reviving the peace process based on international peace frameworks, foremost of which is the principle of the two-state solution,” the statement said.
“The ministry hopes that the Australian government and minister for foreign affairs will recognise the state of Palestine swiftly, in accordance with international law and international legitimacy.”
“This step not only reflects the position of the Labor Party and its members, but also the broader sentiment of the friendly people of Australia, who support the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to establish their state within 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Read the article by Andrew Tillett in the Financial Review.