Australia has now formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese foreshadowed the move last month.
Albanese announced the formal recognition — which took effect as of Sunday — while at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, coinciding with similar declarations made by prime ministers Keir Starmer and Mark Carney of the UK and Canada, respectively.
“Enough is enough. We must end the cycle of violence,” Albanese said while making the announcement, per The Guardian.
“We’re seeing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfold in Gaza. The idea that Israel is just sitting back waiting to negotiate is not what is happening here … This is Australia playing a role,” the prime minister added.
The plan was first announced in August to build momentum around the Australian Government’s stance on a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine war and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
“The terrorist atrocities that occurred by Hamas on 7 October ensure and underline why Hamas can play no role in the future Palestinian state,” Albanese said at the UN’s New York headquarters.
“But just as the Jewish people have a homeland in Israel, Palestinians have a legitimate aspiration for their own homeland as well,” he added.
Albanese said the government will move cautiously in the practical aspects of recognition, with steps such as opening an Australian embassy in Palestine only happening if the Palestine Authority fulfils key commitments like holding elections and internal reform.
“Australians want the people of Palestine and the people of Israel to know a future of greater hope, true security and real peace,” Albanese said. “Today, we advance that cause.”
While Australia was joined by other countries in making the historic move — including the UK and Canada as well as France and Portugal — not all governments are in favour of recognising a Palestinian state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was also present at the UN summit, declared that recognition “will not happen” and threatened possible military retaliation in Gaza in response.
Meanwhile, a group of 28 Republican lawmakers in the US, including Texas senator Ted Cruz, criticised the recognition of Palestine on Sunday, saying it would put governments at odds with the US and warning of “punitive measures” should the move come into effect.
Responding to critics, Albanese said the decision to recognise Palestine was made based on Australia’s national interests. “This is about Australia’s position and the fact that we’re a sovereign nation,” he said.
“Australia will make decisions based upon our national interests … Our foreign policy isn’t determined in Washington or Beijing or Wellington for that matter. Our foreign policy is determined around the cabinet table in Canberra,” he added.
It marks Albanese’s first time attending a UN General Assembly since taking office in 2022.
While there, he is expected to meet with an array of leaders including the King of Jordan and Donald Trump, though an official meeting the US President has yet to be locked in.
Lead images: Getty Images
The post Australia Has Formally Recognised Palestine As A Sovereign State: ‘Enough Is Enough’ appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
