Australia won't be 'cheer squad' for Hamas: PM

9 News

2 days ago

Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here The PM faced accusations of emboldening Hamas after it released a statement thanking Australia for its historic move to recognise Palestinian statehood this week. Albanese today reiterated that a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel would not involve Hamas. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he won't be a 'cheer squad' for Hamas. (Alex Ellinghausen) "I won't be a cheer squad for Hamas and for its statements," Albanese told media in Brisbane. "We need to isolate Hamas, but we do need to find a way forward. There's 147 countries that have already recognised Palestine. "A range of countries in the West, like-minded countries – the United Kingdom, Germany, Malta, Italy are making statements – and some of those countries like the United Kingdom, France and Canada have made it clear that they want to see a path forward of a two-state solution." Albanese said Hamas was using Australia's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood to promulgate its "propaganda". He described Hamas' statement as a "warning" to media to be careful. "Hamas will engage in propaganda because what is happening is the international community are united about isolating Hamas, about supporting a peaceful way forward," he added. Hamas senior leader Hassan Yousef yesterday said the group welcomed Australia's decision. "This position reflects political courage and a commitment to the values of justice and the right of peoples to self-determination," Yousef said in a statement. "We call on all countries, especially those that believe in freedom and human dignity, to follow Australia's example." Hamas fighters take up a position ahead of handing over four bodies to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, in February. (AP) The PM said on Monday that the listed terrorist organisation would be isolated in any Palestinian government. He said the move was predicated on a number of conditions, including demilitarisation, free and fair elections, and ensuring Hamas plays no role in the state. "Hamas will be excluded from the process, we've made that very clear," Albanese said during his announcement. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she believed the conditions of Palestinian recognition would make it nearly "impossible" for lasting piece. She claimed Hamas had labelled Albanese a "hero" for his Palestine announcement. "It doesn't bring about a two-state solution, it doesn't make the world a safer place," Ley told Today . "The question now is for the prime minister to say, if you have made this conditional, and you keep saying you have, whereas it looks to me to be completely unconditional, what are you going to do now, especially now that Hamas has hailed you as a hero." Albanese responded to Ley's criticism and said the opposition leader had previously backed Palestinian statehood. "She said she supported Palestinian statehood, too quote her, because it will give heart to the ordinary people of the West Bank in Gaza," the PM said. CONTACT US