PM Australia wows Indication of recognizing Palestinian state

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he wants to see conditions met that achieve lasting security for Israel before Australia commits to recognition of a Palestinian state.

The conditions match those put forward by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: the demilitarisation of Palestine, reform of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the exit of Hamas from control of Gaza. Mr Albanese says he wants to see progress before Australia makes the same call.

“Those stipulations need to be advanced. That’s the point. We want to make sure it’s not just a gesture.”

Mr Albanese acknowledged “significant advances” recently by the Palestinian Authority on commitments to Israel’s security.

“The decision to recognise (Palestine) on the path to two states being created would make a positive difference … but in order for that to be a achieved there needs to be security for the state of Israel.”

Mr Albanese also said Australia will not be dictated to by the United States or any other nation when it comes to making a decision on recognising a Palestinian state.

On Thursday Canada joined France and the United Kingdom in indicating they would, with conditions, recognise a Palestinian state during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September.

Pressed on the issue, Mr Albanese said Australia would not be beholden to a timeline of joining those nations at the UN General Assembly.