‘Enough is enough': Albo on historic move
Since making his historic announcement on Monday, the Prime Minister has been both accused of 'rewarding' Hamas and praised for joining the global push to realise the rights of Palestinians.
Some of his more mild critics have questioned what Australia's recognition of Palestine would practically do – a question put to him during a morning show blitz on Tuesday.
'What it does is send a message that the international community is saying enough is enough,' Mr Albanese told Seven's Sunrise.
'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.
'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.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his decision to recognise a Palestinian state amid worries it will do little to end the suffering in Gaza. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia
He went on to say the status quo must be broken for any progress to take place.
'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,' he said.
'One in which the states around Israel recognise its right to exist.
'One which sees a demilitarised state of Palestine, enables Palestinians to just live.
'To continue to do the same thing is not enough.'
While the decision has spurred mixed reactions at home, it has been praised abroad.
Among those welcoming Monday's announcement is Emmanuel Macron, who Mr Albanese spoke with last week before making his mind up.
The French President was the first major Western leader to pledge to recognise Palestine at UNGA.
'I welcome the fact that Australian Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese) is joining the momentum we created in New York, which has already been supported by the United Kingdom, Canada, Portugal, and others,' Mr Macron posted on social media.
'This reflects our commitment to the two-State solution and to the need to collectively rebuild a political pathway, without which there can be no peace and security for all.'
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