On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will formally recognise Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. This decision will hinge on specific conditions, including the demilitarisation of Palestine, the implementation of fair elections, and the exclusion of Hamas from the governance of the state.
Despite being designated a terrorist organisation by Australia since 2022, Hamas has applauded this recognition, claiming it marks a significant development towards justice for Palestinians and their rights. Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a co-founder of Hamas, commended the decision as an act of political bravery that acknowledges the need for self-determination. He also suggested that recent violent actions, including an October 7 attack against Israel that resulted in significant casualties, have drawn international focus back onto the Palestinian issue, prompting some countries to reconsider their stances.
Albanese was quick to clarify Australia’s position on Hamas, reaffirming that the group plays no constructive role in a future Palestinian state. He pointedly noted that Hamas opposes a two-state solution, which stands contrary to the path Australia aims to support. He further critiqued extreme elements within the Israeli Government that favour a singular state, warning that a lack of political solutions would perpetuate violence.
Globally, Israel continues to face criticism for its actions in Gaza, where the Palestinian Health Ministry reports a staggering death toll exceeding 60,000, predominantly among women and children. Albanese referred to the Israeli Government’s actions as defiance of international law. In a parallel, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed severe disapproval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, suggesting a potential move towards recognising Palestine in response to perceived aggression and humanitarian neglect in Gaza.
Luxon has characterised the situation as “utterly appalling,” condemning Israel’s military actions and the resulting humanitarian crisis, which humanitarian agencies have labelled as reaching “unimaginable levels.” He described the ongoing attacks as unacceptable and signalled New Zealand’s contemplation on formally recognising a Palestinian state.
Both leaders’ statements reflect heightened international scrutiny on Israel’s conduct amid the ongoing conflict and its consequences on the civilian population in Gaza. The discussions around Palestinian statehood and rights continue to escalate, as more nations consider their positions in light of the humanitarian crisis and geopolitical pressures.