Australian news and politics live: Albanese says recognition of Palestinian state sends message on Gaza
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says recognition of Palestine is part of a broader effort to isolate Hamas and promote a political solution that brings peace and security to both Palestinians and Israelis.
Responding to claims that Hamas will just keep going, Mr Albanese said:
'Well, we're opposed to Hamas. Hamas can play no role...Hamas will be totally opposed to this decision. Hamas don't support two states. They support one state in their own words, from the river to the sea, from the Jordan river to the sea, from the Jordan river to the ocean,' he told Sunrise.
'And I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu last week. You can't just continue to do what he is saying, which is, we will continue to just have this military operation, without any political strategy for a solution going forward.
'We're seeing how it is playing out, which is Gaza reduced to rubble. Tens of thousands of innocent lives being lost, innocent... Kids being killed while trying to get basic essential of food and water. We just can't keep going the same way.'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia's decision to recognise a Palestinian state is about sending a clear message to the international community that the cycle of conflict in Gaza must end.
'What it does is send a message that the international community is saying enough is enough. This is a conflict that has gone on now for 77 years. The international community are saying, 'We need to find a solution that promotes security for the state of Israel' but also recognises the political aspirations of the Palestinian people for their own state,' he told Sunrise on Tuesday morning.
'That's why countries like the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and now Australia, but other countries, as well, will be joining in September at the United Nations to join the 147 countries that have already recognised Palestine.
'You can't just keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different outcome and this is the best opportunity that there is out of a crisis to actually provide a long-term solution.'
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