Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has indicated that the country is considering recognizing Palestinian statehood as a means to advance peace efforts. However, she emphasized that any recognition would exclude Hamas from governance.
This suggestion has sparked differing opinions within Australia. While Wong’s comments align with those of UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who hinted at a similar stance from the UK earlier, both Australia’s opposition and the Zionist Federation of Australia have expressed reservations, labeling such a move as premature.
Australia has historically maintained that recognition of a Palestinian state should be part of a broader two-state solution negotiated with Israel. However, recent events, including concerns over the conflict in Gaza and the tragic death of an Australian aid worker in an Israeli airstrike, have intensified discussions on the matter.
Wong emphasized the urgent need for a two-state solution to end the cycle of violence in the region. She highlighted frustrations with the Netanyahu government’s reluctance to engage on the issue and suggested that recognizing Palestinian statehood could build momentum towards achieving this solution.
The opposition, led by spokesman Simon Birmingham, opposes the move, arguing that it prioritizes statehood over security and could be seen as a victory for terrorist groups. Meanwhile, Jeremy Leibler of the Zionist Federation of Australia insists that any talk of recognition is premature until Hamas is removed and a new generation of Palestinian leadership emerges, one that recognizes Israel’s right to exist.
Wong rebutted claims that recognizing a Palestinian state would reward the enemy, asserting that Israel’s security ultimately depends on achieving a two-state solution. She believes that such recognition could help undermine and marginalize Hamas.
While approximately 140 countries recognise Palestinian statehood, key allies like the US, the UK, Germany, and Australia have yet to do so, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.