PM's Palestine recognition only serves ‘domestic politics' rather than international interest
'It positions us with the progressive group of countries in Europe and non-alliant countries that have recognized a Palestinian state,' Mr Sharma told Sky News host Chris Kenny.
'We are going to go for gestures over substance, and we're going to look at domestic politics rather than how can we actually advance interests on the international stage.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

AU Financial Review
27 minutes ago
- AU Financial Review
Palestinian recognition may be premature, but Albanese had no choice
The Middle East has a way of imposing itself on Australian foreign policy despite Canberra's best efforts over the decades to consign it to the periphery of its diplomatic priorities. Yesterday's announcement of the Albanese government's plan to recognise Palestinian statehood in concert with other like-minded countries, but in opposition to Washington, is yet another example of how even the most well-intentioned focus on the Asia-Pacific can be held hostage by events elsewhere. The Albanese government's recognition of Palestine had been well-telegraphed and part of an incremental ratcheting-up of diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military campaign in Gaza became increasingly aimless. The tragic civilian death toll for decreasing military gains, a failure to recover hostages and a hijacking of humanitarian aid to support unachievable military outcomes have all contributed to the world's growing frustration with the Israeli government's lack of a coherent plan for the future of Gaza after the fighting, or of any moves towards a long-term peace with its Palestinian neighbour.

AU Financial Review
27 minutes ago
- AU Financial Review
Albanese had little alternative to premature Palestinian recognition
The Middle East has a way of imposing itself on Australian foreign policy despite Canberra's best efforts over the decades to consign it to the periphery of its diplomatic priorities. Yesterday's announcement of the Albanese government's plan to recognise Palestinian statehood in concert with other like-minded countries, but in opposition to Washington, is yet another example of how even the most well-intentioned focus on the Asia-Pacific can be held hostage by events elsewhere. The Albanese government's recognition of Palestine had been well-telegraphed and part of an incremental ratcheting-up of diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military campaign in Gaza became increasingly aimless. The tragic civilian death toll for decreasing military gains, a failure to recover hostages and a hijacking of humanitarian aid to support unachievable military outcomes have all contributed to the world's growing frustration with the Israeli government's lack of a coherent plan for the future of Gaza after the fighting, or of any moves towards a long-term peace with its Palestinian neighbour.


Perth Now
27 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Australia set to recognise Palestine statehood at UN
AUSTRALIA TO FORMALLY RECOGNISE PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD: * Formal recognition of a Palestinian state will take place at the United Nations General Assembly, which will take place in September * The decision came after other allies, including the UK, France and Canada, also announced intentions to recognise Palestine at the UN meeting * Australia will join more than 140 member states of the UN in recognising Palestine * Conditions of Palestinian recognition will include assurances that Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organisation, will play no role in any government * Commitments would also be made for free and fair elections, as well as recognition from Palestine of Israeli statehood * Calls have also been made for hostages held by Hamas following the October 7 attacks to be released * Practical steps such as an Australian embassy would be reliant to assurances from the Palestinian Authority * Anthony Albanese previously said Palestinian recognition by Australia would be a matter of "when, not if" * While the prime minister was under pressure to follow the lead allies on recognition, he said he would not be driven by a set time frame * However, he since said Israel's decision to approve a plan to seize all of Gaza City helped lead to the decision to recognise Palestine * The prime minister said recognition was part of international efforts for peace in the Middle East and that a different approach was needed * While other countries will recognise Palestine at the UN's General Assembly, the global body as a whole is unlikely to recognise the state as a member * This is due to the UN Security Council members having a veto power over proposals * The US is one of the permanent members of the Security Council, and does not recognise a Palestinian state