Albanese seeks call with Netanyahu amid Sydney, Melbourne protests
Albanese said on Monday he would use any phone call with Netanyahu to advocate for a two-state solution. Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite had earlier confirmed that the call was being pursued, as Labor politicians backed the peaceful protest organised by the Palestine Action Group, with at least three members of the federal caucus in attendance.
Backbenchers Ed Husic, Alison Byrnes and Tony Sheldon marched with protesters on Sunday, putting further pressure on Albanese to recognise Palestine.
At a press conference on Monday, Albanese said he would continue to advocate for peace with Netanyahu.
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'I have said to prime minister Netanyahu before, as I've said publicly for a long period of time that I'm a supporter of a two-state solution, and that there can't be peace and security in the Middle East, without there being an advance on that two-state solution,' Albanese said.
The government has repeatedly said that recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of timing. Allies in France, Canada and the United Kingdom have all laid the groundwork to recognise the state at the next United Nations General Assembly in September.
Albanese ruled out any further sanctions against Israeli figures, following those already placed on ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in June for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Speaking about the Harbour Bridge protest, Albanese said he was not surprised so many felt moved to march after seeing images of 'people being deprived of food and water and essential services' in Gaza.
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AI tells lies, but kindly apologises if found out
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Sky News AU
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an hour ago
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Albo to head across the ditch for leader talks
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