Trump Excludes Albanese at UN, While France Acknowledges Palestinian Statehood

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The schedule released by the White House press secretary for President Donald Trump’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York does not include a separate meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

This update coincides with France joining Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Portugal in independently recognizing Palestinian statehood, a move now supported by nearly 160 UN members.

French President Emmanuel Macron proclaimed at the UN summit on Tuesday, “France today recognises a State of Palestine,” as the Palestinian delegation applauded, emphasizing his support for “peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”

Macron stated, “The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it.”

He further declared, “The time has come to free the 48 hostages held by Hamas. The time has come to stop the war, the bombings of Gaza, the massacres, and the displacement.”

Previously, Emmanuel Macron had stated the release of hostages taken by Hamas in its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel would be required before a French embassy could open in Palestine. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

In line with Israel, Trump is vehemently opposed to the international push for statehood, which has isolated the US from key Western allies.

“He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza. It does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Macron’s stance reflects his belief that it is crucial to do more than just talk and insists that some decisions seem to reward Hamas rather than take meaningful action.

Albanese excluded from Trump meeting schedule

Efforts at the global talks had aimed to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Albanese and Trump, who have communicated by phone four times since Trump’s return to power.

At a press conference, Leavitt outlined the official engagements for Trump, saying he has a “very busy schedule for the week”.

Trump has prioritised bilateral meetings with the UN secretary-general and the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina, and the European Union.

He will also hold joint talks with representatives of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Türkiye, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

But his diary doesn’t include a one-on-one meeting with Albanese, who leaves New York mid-week to travel to London.

Albanese is, however, among 100 leaders invited to an official reception on Wednesday, where the pair are likely to at least brush paths.

Trump will then return to Washington and welcome Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the White House for separate talks.

Israel ‘must accept its share of responsibility’

Albanese addressed the UN two-state solution event on Tuesday, likening the Palestinian quest for statehood to the Israeli push for a modern state.

“Nearly 78 years ago, Australia was proud to be the first member of the United Nations to vote for the plan that made the modern state of Israel possible,” he said.

“The international community’s vision for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East always encompassed two states. A state of Israel and a state of Palestine. Living side by side, within internationally recognised borders. And recognising each other’s right to live in peace and security.”

He also described the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023 as “horrific”.

Albanese remarked, “We align with our allies and partners in urging for the immediate and dignified return of hostages. Additionally, we stand by Jewish communities worldwide who are haunted by the shadows cast by the darkest chapters of history through any act of antisemitism.”

Anthony Albanese stands outside with a city skyline in the background.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks as “horrific” in his speech at the UN two-state solution event in New York. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Albanese said Australia has added its voice to global calls for a ceasefire, and he defended his cabinet’s decision to independently endorse the government’s recognition of a Palestinian state, which came into effect on Sunday.

“We want the killing to stop,” he said.

“Right now, Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. And for this, the Israeli government must accept its share of responsibility.

“In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people.”

The government says its decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is conditional on Hamas having no role in the future state and is based on assurances from the Palestinian Authority that it will demilitarise, hold democratic elections and reform governance, finance and education.

At the event, Albanese also hit back at criticism that the move to recognition is symbolic and won’t change conditions on the ground for the Palestinian people.

“That means more than a seat, a voice and a vote in the councils of the world. It means real hope for a place they can call home. This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people,” he said.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley has spoken with Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar, expressing disappointment with the government about its “break with bipartisanship”, saying “now is the wrong time while Hamas still holds hostages and while conflict still rages”.