Australia to recognize a Palestinian state, joining France, Canada and U.K.
'A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict suffering and starvation in Gaza,' Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a news conference in Canberra.
Australia will formalize its decision at the annual United Nations General Assembly in September.
A key commitment sought by Australia, Albanese said, is that Hamas will play no role in a future Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority also agreed that state would be demilitarized and to hold general elections, and undertake governance reforms including financial transparency and international oversight to guard against incitement to violence and hatred, he added.
Amir Maimon, Israel's ambassador to Australia, said in a statement posted on social media that Canberra's recognition of a Palestinian state 'undermines Israel's security, derails hostage negotiations, and hands a victory to those who oppose coexistence.'
Separately, New Zealand on Monday also said it is considering recognizing a Palestinian state, with a formal decision expected in September.
More than 140 U.N. members already recognize a Palestinian state. The recent announcements by the leaders of Australia, Canada, France and Britain come as global outrage is mounting at Israel's 22-month military campaign in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed and people are starving.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, said more recently that more than 1,778 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops while seeking food near aid sites or convoys.
'The Israeli government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food and water to desperate people, including children,' Albanese said Monday, adding that he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the decision, telling him that the situation in Gaza 'has gone beyond the world's worst fears.'
The world's leading hunger monitor last month issued its strongest warning yet on the rapidly growing starvation crisis in Gaza, as images of emaciated children shock the world.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the announcement. Rubio last month described France's announcement on Palestinian statehood as a 'slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.' President Donald Trump sought to use Canada's recognition of a Palestinian state as leverage in trade talks.
About 1,200 people were killed in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and 250 others taken hostage. Israel's military campaign against Hamas has killed more than 60,000 people in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Netanyahu, who has remained defiant in the face of rebukes from allies, on Sunday defended his plans to take over key areas of the Gaza Strip, saying Israel would move 'quickly' to evacuate and then seize Gaza City.
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