Israel Gaza: Australia hints it could recognise Palestinian state

[Social Media]

 

In a significant diplomatic development, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong hinted at the possibility of Australia recognizing Palestinian statehood as part of an effort to advance peace initiatives in the region. However, Wong stressed that any potential recognition would exclude Hamas from governance roles, reflecting the complexities of the political landscape in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

The suggestion comes amid heightened concerns from Canberra regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. These concerns were exacerbated by the tragic death of an Australian aid worker, along with six others, in an Israeli airstrike. The incident occurred when the aid workers were traveling in a convoy after collecting supplies, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) mistakenly identifying them as Hamas operatives.

 

Wong's remarks echo similar sentiments expressed by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who earlier hinted at the possibility of the UK recognizing Palestinian statehood independently of Israel's support.

 

Australia has long maintained that recognition of a Palestinian state could only be achieved through a negotiated two-state solution with Israel. However, the lack of progress in peace negotiations and the Netanyahu government's reluctance to engage on the issue of Palestinian statehood have led to growing frustration within the international community.

 

In her speech, Wong emphasized the urgent need for a two-state solution as the only viable path to break the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. She acknowledged the failures of past approaches and the obstacles posed by the Netanyahu government's stance, which has hindered meaningful dialogue on the issue.

 

The opposition's foreign affairs spokesman, Simon Birmingham, pushed back against Wong's remarks, emphasizing the need to prioritize security concerns over premature recognition of Palestinian statehood. Birmingham criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government for potentially deviating from Australia's longstanding bipartisan foreign policy on the matter.

 

Similarly, Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, cautioned against premature recognition of Palestinian statehood. Leibler argued that any discussions of statehood must first address the removal of Hamas from power and the emergence of a new generation of Palestinian leadership committed to nonviolence and the recognition of Israel's right to exist.

 

Despite the opposition's reservations, Wong defended the idea of recognizing Palestinian statehood, emphasizing that it would not amount to rewarding Hamas. Instead, she argued that such recognition could help undermine and marginalize Hamas, thereby contributing to Israel's security interests.

 

The debate over Palestinian statehood reflects broader tensions within the international community regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While approximately 140 countries have recognized Palestinian statehood, key players such as the US, the UK, Germany, and Australia have refrained from doing so.

 

As the United Nations prepares to consider granting Palestine full membership status, the discussion surrounding Palestinian statehood is likely to intensify, with implications for regional stability and prospects for peace in the Middle East.

 

11.04.24

Source

 

[thaibeachlovers]

49 minutes ago, Social Media said:

However, Wong stressed that any potential recognition would exclude Hamas from governance roles, reflecting the complexities of the political landscape in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

How would Wong like it if another country demanded the removal of her party from politics before they would recognise Australia?

Other countries don't get to say who rules in other countries, unless they at war with them and winning.

Anyway, unless she demands that israel withdraws from the West Bank she is just talking hot air about the two state solution.

Seems like they are just another government sucking up to israel.

[Skipalongcassidy]

She has got it WONG... totally wiping hamas out is the only solution to the terror and hate in that region of the middle east... nothing else should even be in the offing.

[Neeranam]

11 hours ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

She has got it WONG... totally wiping hamas out is the only solution to the terror and hate in that region of the middle east... nothing else should even be in the offing.

A two state solution could work. Well could have done if Israel hadn't kept constructing settlements in the occupied territories, which is  considered illegal under international law, undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

10 hours ago, Neeranam said:

A two state solution could work. Well could have done if Israel hadn't kept constructing settlements in the occupied territories, which is  considered illegal under international law, undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. 

 

The poster you quoted overlooks that by killing so many innocents along with any Hamas fighters, the israelis are creating hatred among everyone else in Gaza. So much for creating peace by killing all Hamas, which is a nonsense in itself. Hamas will have a ready supply of recruits to fill the gaps as long as a Gazan male lives.