Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and French President Emmanuel Macron have recently conversed regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Their discussion followed a significant pro-Palestine rally in Sydney, attended by around 100,000 demonstrators, advocating for an immediate ceasefire. Albanese confirmed he spoke with Macron to reaffirm their commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance to the civilians affected in Gaza.
The dialogue also underscored their mutual advocacy for a two-state solution, as per an official statement released post-call. Besides addressing the crisis in the Middle East, the leaders discussed climate action, with France pledging support for Australia’s joint bid to host COP31. They also agreed on the importance of finalising the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
The conversation ended with an agreement to maintain communication and to reconvene in September during the United Nations General Assembly. Macron highlighted this collaboration in his social media post, mentioning he also spoke with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Luxon. He noted that Australia, New Zealand, and France share a unified objective for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the advancement of a political resolution focused on two states co-existing peacefully and securely.
Furthermore, Albanese recently held a rare discussion with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, promising continued dialogue at the forthcoming global leaders’ meeting next month. This call from Albanese and Macron features prominently after Macron’s announcement last month about recognising Palestine’s statehood, a decision he is set to formalise at the UN General Assembly. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is also expected to announce a similar recognition during this event.
Australia, Canada, the UK, France, and several other nations have previously united in calling for an immediate ceasefire and rapid humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza.