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

Efforts to Bridge the Gap Fall Short in Boosting Child Development and Lowering Suicide Rates

New data shows “significant deserts” and service gaps are contributing to worsening…
Tsunami evacuations in South America, but worst risk passes for US after huge quake

South America Initiates Tsunami Evacuations as Major Quake Hits, US Largely Unaffected

Concerns of a catastrophic tsunami for the US and Japan have subsided…
Tye Alroe, a property developer based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Alroe died of a heart attack at the age of 39.

Honors Pour In for Influential Real Estate Developer After Unexpected Passing

Gold Coast property developer Tye Alroe has passed away suddenly at the…
Investigators find US Army helicopter was flying too high during deadly collision

Investigators Reveal US Army Helicopter Was at Excessive Altitude During Fatal Crash

U.S. investigators examining the January midair collision of a passenger plane and…

Understanding ‘Megathrust Faults’: Why They’re Prone to Triggering Tsunamis

A very powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka coast…
Julian Story.

Canine Uncovers Disturbing Find in South Australia Brush

Warning: This story contains content some readers may find distressing. Story, aged…
Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty before standing trial for perverting the course of justice.

Trial for Reality TV Star’s Helicopter Crash Postponed Once More

The trial of Matt Wright, the reality TV personality, concerning allegations of…
A mini bus has crashed and rolled down an embankment in the NSW Hunter Valley, injuring six people.

Groom Severely Injured in Minibus Accident En Route to Wedding

A mini bus crash has injured a groom on the way to…

UK Considers Recognizing Palestine Amidst Gaza Crisis if Israel Does Not Address Issues

Israel dismissed the UK’s action, stating that it “acts as a reward…
The Wiggles' modern lineup, including Anthony Field (left) and the first woman of colour in the main cast Tsehay Hawkins (right).

Wiggles Opposed YouTube’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, According to Wells

Communications Minister Anika Wells revealed that The Wiggles advocated against the government’s…
Five 'foot soldiers' arrested over fatal shooting in shopping centre car park

Five Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting in Shopping Centre Car Park

In connection with the 2023 shooting death of Robert Issa in a…
Ghislaine Maxwell, an accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell is willing to share information, but there’s a condition attached

Ghislaine Maxwell, known for her connection to Jeffrey Epstein, has proposed providing…