Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under increasing pressure from his backbench to build upon “moral momentum” by recognising a Palestinian state.
Recently, the Albanese government has been more resolute, expressing its intention to acknowledge Palestinian statehood but has set out several preconditions, including the demilitarisation of Hamas, before making a commitment.
Former cabinet minister Ed Husic has called on the government to “reconsider its approach” in light of the developing hunger crisis.
“While it is understandable that we have sought to see the satisfaction of key conditions before this happens, moral momentum cannot be ignored,” he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

“That momentum is critical at this moment and necessitates a reevaluation of our approach.”

While Husic said he was not speaking on behalf of his colleagues, he said there was a “deep feeling” across the backbench and within caucus to recognise a Palestinian state.
Facing questions about the timeline, Albanese reiterated his government would announce the move when it would make maximum impact and “advance the objective of the creation of two states”.
“I’ve said for a long time, my entire political life, I said I support two states, the right of Israel to exist within secure borders and the right of Palestinians to have their legitimate aspirations for their own state realised,” he said on Wednesday morning.

“That is my objective. Not making a statement, not winning a political point, but achieving that.”

Frontbencher Anika Wells stressed that the government would recognise a Palestinian state, and it was a question of “when, not if”, as long as other conditions are met.
“It is a question of when not if. There is things to work through. We need Hamas to release the hostages and we need to secure aid as quickly as possible. Everybody is working on that,” Wells told ABC News Breakfast.
Labor MP Julian Hill also said: “[It’s] a question of when, not if, to recognise the state of Palestine”.
“The government will determine its position based on our conception of Australia’s national interest, working with like-minded countries around the world, and the PM is in dialogue.”
Liberal Senator James Paterson labelled the move “premature” and “counterproductive” to achieving a two-state solution, arguing Hamas needed to be dismantled first.

“If the Australian government were to take a similar step, I would not support it, as it would mark a significant departure from decades of bipartisan foreign policy in this nation,” he informed ABC’s RN on Wednesday.

Greens label government’s new statement ‘meaningless’

The government has signed a new joint statement of 15 foreign minister, expressing their “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution.

“We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, express our willingness or positive consideration for our countries to recognise the State of Palestine as an essential step towards a two-State solution, and we invite all countries that have not done so to join this call,” reads a statement signed by countries including France, Canada, and New Zealand.

A man in a grey suit and glasses

Greens senator David Shoebridge argued that the government should adhere to Labor’s policy platform and recognise a Palestinian state. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Greens foreign affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge labelled the statement a “distraction” from meaningful progress on the dire situation in Gaza.

“This is a near-meaningless statement that doesn’t seem to take Australia’s position one step closer to recognising Palestine,” he told SBS News.
“Every pressure needs to be applied on Israel to end the bombing, end the killing, end the mass starvation of the people of Gaza and statements like this, they will simply get us no further and no closer to that ultimate goal of a free Palestine.”
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like
Attacks continue despite 'fragile' ceasefire deal

Tensions Persist as Ceasefire Agreement Faces Challenges

Iran, the United States and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire in…
DC Rivals Hypercoaster stuck

Stranded Riders Safely Rescued After Prolonged Ordeal on Gold Coast Rollercoaster

Riders on a theme park rollercoaster were left stranded in mid-air after…

Australian War Hero Ben Roberts-Smith Detained: Faces Serious War Crimes Charges

Ben Roberts-Smith to remain in custody while charged with war crimes Ben…
Man shot dead in 'targeted' attack at high-rise complex

Fatal Shooting in High-Rise Complex: Authorities Investigate Targeted Attack

Detectives from the Homicide Squad are delving into the circumstances surrounding the…
Childcare crash Alexandra Hills

Vehicle Collides with Childcare Center East of Brisbane

In a startling incident east of Brisbane, a vehicle burst through the…
Why Aussie airlines are on the fuel crisis front line

Australian Airlines Grapple with Fuel Shortage Challenges

A leading global credit rating agency has warned Australian airlines would be…

Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Implications and What It Means for You

in brief The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20 per cent of…
Trump to meet NATO chief as he weighs exiting western alliance

Trump’s Pivotal Meeting with NATO Chief Sparks Speculation of Possible Exit from Western Alliance

Donald Trump will hold talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte today in…
motorcycle 300 km/h chase

Motorcyclist Reportedly Reaches 300 km/h in High-Stakes Police Chase

A motorbike rider has allegedly been clocked by police speeding at 300km/h…
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again, threatening ceasefire

Iran Shuts Down Strait of Hormuz, Jeopardizing Global Oil Supply and Ceasefire Efforts

On Wednesday, Iran once again shut the Strait of Hormuz as a…
Anthony Albanese didn’t become a great leader overnight - but the fuel crisis forced his hand, and the Prime Minister has stepped up under pressure, rolling out tax cuts and supply measures to steady the nation, writes PVO

Surprising Praise: Why Anthony Albanese Finally Earns Approval from Peter van Onselen

Anthony Albanese isn’t suddenly hailed as an exceptional prime minister due to…
A man claims his mother was given this pin and flowers for 45 years of service at Commonwealth Bank.

Controversial Yellow Pin Sparks Outrage: Commonwealth Bank Faces Backlash

One of the big four banks is under fire for handing out…