The Albanese government is facing a wave of condemnation from Israel and the federal opposition after Hamas praised Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state, claiming it vindicates the group’s deadly 7 October attacks on Israel.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that Australia will formally recognise Palestine at next month’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, subject to conditions including demilitarisation, free and fair elections, and ensuring Hamas plays no role in governance.
Despite those caveats, Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that the decision was “an important step towards achieving justice” and reflected “political courage.” He also claimed the move validated Hamas’ attacks, which killed more than 1,200 Israelis and were the deadliest single day for Jewish people since the Holocaust.
The remarks prompted scathing criticism from Coalition figures. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said, “When terrorists are cheering your foreign policy, you have got it wrong,” accusing Albanese of ignoring warnings that Hamas would welcome the move. She urged the government to reverse its “reckless decision” and refocus on domestic priorities such as the cost-of-living crisis.
Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash accused the Prime Minister of “emboldening a terror group who murder civilians in cold blood.”
Senator Sarah Henderson called it
“sickening, but totally foreseeable.”
Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also condemned the recognition, saying,
“It’s a pretty disgraceful day when the Australian government is being praised by terrorists… Recognising a Palestinian state rewards the October 7 massacre.”
Albanese rejected claims the decision rewards Hamas, insisting the group “is opposed to two states” and that recognition is “the only way to bring about peace” between Israelis and Palestinians. He also accused hardliners on both sides of opposing a political solution in favour of ongoing violence.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
