Hamas welcomes Albo's pledge to recognise Palestine state
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AI Image of Albo and Hamas shaking hands |
Australia's decision to recognize a Palestinian state has ignited a fierce political debate, with the Coalition accusing the Labor government of emboldening the terrorist group Hamas.
The Government's Position
The Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announced that Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
Albanese has been clear that this recognition is predicated on commitments received from the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the occupied West Bank.
The Coalition's Criticism
The Coalition has vehemently criticized the timing and implications of the government's decision. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash have accused the government of handing a "massive propaganda victory" to Hamas. They argue that recognizing a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds hostages and controls Gaza is a reward for terrorism.
The Coalition's criticism intensified after reports emerged that a senior Hamas official praised Australia's decision, calling it "courageous."
The Broader Context
This diplomatic move by Australia comes amid a growing trend among Western nations. Countries like France, Britain, and Canada have also indicated their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
While over 140 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, the move by a group of key Western countries is seen as a significant shift.
Based on the information available, the international reaction to Australia's decision to recognize a Palestinian state has been mixed:
Hamas: A senior official from Hamas praised the Australian government's decision, calling it "courageous" and suggesting that Hamas's actions, including the October 7 attacks, have helped draw attention to the Palestinian cause. The Australian government, in response, stated that Hamas is trying to "manipulate facts" and that the decision is part of an effort to isolate the terrorist group.
Israeli Government: The Israeli embassy in Australia strongly condemned the move, with Ambassador Amir Maimon stating that "rewarding those who use terror as a political tool sends the dangerous message that violence brings political gain."
Palestinian Authority: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked Prime Minister Albanese for Australia's humanitarian efforts and commitment to a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority's representative office in Australia also welcomed the decision.
Other Western Nations: Australia's move follows similar announcements from countries such as France, Britain, and Canada, who have also signaled their intention to recognize Palestinian statehood. This indicates a growing momentum among some Western powers to take diplomatic action on the issue.
Arab League: The decision is supported by the Arab League, which has called on Hamas to disarm and give up power in Gaza to facilitate progress toward a two-state solution.