Labor minister Amanda Rishworth struggles to explain Hamas praise for PM Anthony Albanese over recognising Palestinian statehood

7NEWS

3 days ago

Labor minister Amanda Rishworth has struggled to explain Hamas support for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, after he announced he would recognise Palestinian statehood.
Albanese on Monday revealed the government will join France, the UK, and Canada, in recognising Palestine at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September.
During an interview on Sunrise earlier this week, Albanese claimed the recognition of Palestinian statehood was not in step with Hamas, which he claimed would be 'opposed' to his decision.
However, just a day later, Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, who is one of the terror group's most senior figures in the West Bank, praised the PM for his foreign policy shift and called on other western nations to follow suit.
'We welcome Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine, and consider it an important step towards achieving justice for our people and securing their legitimate rights,' Yousef told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'This position reflects political courage and a commitment to the values of justice and the right of peoples to self-determination.
'We call on all countries, especially those that believe in freedom and human dignity, to follow Australia's example and translate their positions into practical steps to support the Palestinian people and end their suffering under occupation.'
Rishworth appeared on Sunrise on Thursday, and struggled to explain the Hamas support for Albanese's decision.
Host Nat Barr asked if the PM had 'got it wrong'.
Rishworth replied: 'What Hamas, of course is, is a terrorist organisation.
'The actions that the international community is taking, that is Canada, the UK, Australia, and really many other nations, in our role of recognising the state of Palestine, is actually sidelining Hamas.
'There is no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state. The international community is clear on that. The League of Arab nations is clear on that. The Palestinian authority is clear on that.
'So, there will be propganda, no doubt, from terrorist organisations.
'But what is really clear about recognition of a Palestinian state is how the international community is building momentum so there is peace and security with a state of Israel and a state of Palestine.
'That is how we work to break the cycle of violence.'
Barr pressed Rishworth, asking: 'Which Hamas do we believe? We're not supposed to believe they back Australia? But we're supposed to believe they are going to lay down their guns and go away?'
Rishworth replied: 'I'm not giving credence to Hamas. We don't recognise Hamas. We are working with the international community.
'The conditions and agreement of Hamas not being involved in elections to demilitarise are key elements the international community is working to, that is places like the UK, Canada, France, Australia, the Arab League of Nations.
'This is the work that we are doing.
'The way to sideline Hamas is not to continue to see the cycle of violence happening, it is actually to create two states that are secure in their borders.'
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she would revoke support for Palestinian statehood if elected.
Albanese was widely condemned for his support of Palestinian statehood, including by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who slammed it as 'meaningless'.
Meanwhile, Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon called the decision a huge mistake.
'By recognising a Palestinian state while Hamas continues to kill, kidnap and reject peace, Australia undermines Israel's security, derails hostage negotiations and hands a victory to those who oppose coexistence,' Maimon said.
'Rewarding those who use terror as a political tool sends the dangerous message that violence brings political gains.'