Donald Trump's 'disgust' at Albanese's move to recognise a Palestinian state

Daily Mail​

10 hours ago

Donald Trump has slammed the Australian government's decision to recognise a Palestinian state, with a US official warning the White House is 'disgusted'.
US Ambassador to Israel and former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee met with the President and discussed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 's controversial move.
He said Trump, and senior members of his administration, had shared their confusion with Australia's foreign policy.
'There's an enormous level of disappointment and some disgust,' the ambassador told ABC's 7.30 on Thursday.
'I don't know that the president used that word, [but] I would say that is a characterisation of a sentiment.
'I think it does express the emotional sentiment, a sense of, "You've got to be kidding... why would they be doing this?".'
The ambassador branded the timing 'terrible' and claimed it was a 'gift' to Hamas as it would negatively impact any negotiations of a settlement in Gaza.
He said the decision to recognise a Palestinian state would also directly impact Hamas' remaining Israeli hostages and that it has endangered the hope of a peaceful resolution.
Albanese revealed on Monday that Australia would recognise Palestinian statehood, following similar commitments by Western allies including the UK, France and Canada.
'Today I can confirm that at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, Australia will recognise the state of Palestine,' he told reporters.
'Australia will recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority.'
The Prime Minister said his government's backing of Palestinian statehood was contingent on the promise Hamas would play no future role in the state.
The commitments also include free elections being held in Palestine and demilitarisation of the region.
Ambassador Huckabee criticised Albanese for not notifying the US of his government's decision to recognise Palestine.
'As Israel's closest partner, we would have expected that there would have been some heads up,' he said.
However, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said she personally spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the decision as a 'matter of courtesy'.
Ambassador Huckabee was also asked whether the Trump administration had tried to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct in the war in Gaza.
He said the US respected the fact they were attacked on October 7 and that he was tired of people blaming Israel for defending itself.
The ambassador's comments come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood as 'shameful'.
During a rare press conference for international media, Netanyahu said it was an 'absurdity' to recognise Palestine and singled out Australia - before the country had announced its stance.
'It defies imagination or understanding how intelligent people around the world, including seasoned diplomats, government leaders, and respected journalists, fall for this absurdity,' he said.
'To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole just like that is disappointing, and I think it's actually shameful.'
Netanyahu also vehemently denied the accusations Israel has led a 'starvation policy', denying Palestinians access to food and humanitarian aid.
Evidence from international human rights groups suggests aid restrictions have led to the dire situation currently playing out in Gaza.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, as of Wednesday, 235 people, including 106 children, had died from hunger-related deaths since the war began in October 2023.
Gaza Health officials also reported that 20 Palestinian civilians were shot dead last week while trying to seek aid outside humanitarian depots.