Key Points
- A group of 25 US Republicans have cautioned international leaders about potential repercussions for acknowledging Palestinian statehood.
- Australia is among those planning to recognise a Palestinian state at this week’s United Nations General Assembly.
- A member of the Labor Party highlights that this acknowledgement is a move towards achieving a two-state resolution.
This comes as Republicans, including supporters of Donald Trump such as Ted Cruz and Elise Stefanik, cautioned Albanese and the leaders of Canada, France, and the UK against recognising Palestinian statehood, calling it a “reckless policy” in an open letter.
Republicans warn Australia of ‘punitive measures’
“Proceeding with recognition will put your country at odds with long-standing US policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response.”
“By threatening to independently acknowledge a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Starmer aligns with President Macron in rewarding Hamas for its severe acts of terrorism against the Jewish state and delaying the release of the 50 hostages it has held for 662 days,” APAIC stated in a July release.
Minister responds to Republicans
“While everyone is entitled to their views, we will determine Australian foreign policy, not anyone else,” he told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.
Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen comments that for Australia, Palestinian recognition is considered “a substantial advance towards a two-state solution”. Source: AAP / DARREN ENGLAND/AAPIMAGE
He said the government now saw recognising Palestinian statehood as a step towards a two-state solution, not the result of negotiations.
“I believe that Israel will be truly free and secure when Palestine is,” Bowen said.
