However, Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned this decision by Australia and other Western countries as a “serious and perilous mistake” that he believes won’t assist Palestinians or help in rescuing hostages.

Australia views Hamas as a terrorist organization, and Albanese reiterated his administration’s demand for the return of Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 incident, where Hamas militants kidnapped 251 individuals and were responsible for the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals but 50 remain in Gaza, about 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive.

Israel’s military operations through air and ground assaults have led to significant displacement within Gaza, wrecked vast regions, and driven the area towards severe food shortages. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports over 61,400 Palestinian fatalities as a result.

The concept of a two-state resolution involves the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, incorporating the majority of the occupied West Bank, the devastated Gaza Strip, and annexed East Jerusalem.

Israel seized the territories in the 1967 Middle East war.

– Reported with Associated Press