Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched a fierce defence of his government’s recognition of the State of Palestine, framing it as a necessary step towards peace while fending off a storm of international and domestic criticism.
Speaking from New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly, PM Albanese said Australia’s decision — taken in coordination with the United Kingdom and Canada — was “about ending decades of bloodshed and moving towards a two-state solution.”
“When Israel was created in 1948, the vision was always two states living side by side in peace and security,” he told ABC News Breakfast.
“Recognition of Palestine is a step forward towards realising that vision.”
The move, praised by some Middle East observers as a diplomatic breakthrough, has drawn sharp condemnation from Israel, the United States, and Australia’s conservative opposition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the decision as “an absurd prize for terrorism.” Senior US Republicans also accused Australia and its allies of undermining Israel’s security, warning of repercussions for future relations.
At home, Opposition Senate leader Michaelia Cash delivered a scathing rebuke, declaring:
“It’s a simple principle. You don’t reward terrorists. Albanese just did.”
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price also condemned the Albanese Government’s recognition of the State of Palestine, calling it “one of the lowest lows” in Australia’s foreign policy. She said the move was “ill-timed, impulsive, irrational, immoral and ideologically-driven,” and amounted to “an endorsement of Hamas’ use of terrorism to achieve political ends.” Price argued recognition was impossible “until Hamas is defeated,” adding it was “deeply insensitive” while hostages remain in captivity. “All too often, the Albanese Government uses foreign policy to grandstand … driven by virtue signalling instead of values,” she said.
“Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Wong, you are a disgrace.”
The Prime Minister rejected those claims, insisting the recognition was not a concession to Hamas but a signal of support for moderate Palestinian leadership and democratic reform. He pointed to the Arab League’s recent resolution calling for Hamas to disband, affirming Israel’s right to exist, and pressing for elections in the Palestinian territories.
Under Canberra’s plan, full diplomatic recognition — including embassies and state-to-state relations — will be contingent on the Palestinian Authority implementing sweeping reforms. These include holding long-delayed elections, strengthening governance, and guaranteeing Israel’s security.
Supporters argue the timing of the announcement, alongside Canada and Britain, was designed to maximise diplomatic impact at the UN General Assembly.
PM Albanese also met Jordan’s King Abdullah and is scheduled to attend events with US President Donald Trump during the week, using the global stage to argue that recognition can create pressure for peace.
Still, sceptics say Australia risks isolating itself from Washington’s Republican leadership and alienating Jewish communities at home.
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