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Australia to recognise Palestinian state at United Nations in September

Canberra, Aug 11 (UNI) Australia will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, breaking with its close ally, the United States, as concern mounts over Israel's plans for a military campaign in parts of the Gaza Strip. The Australian Foreign Ministry said the move will contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages. Since 1947, Australia has supported Israel's existence. That year, Australia's Foreign Minister, HV Evatt, chaired the UN committee that recommended the creation of two states side by side. 'Then, as now, the international community understood that a two-state solution was the basis of peace and security for the peoples of the region. Australia was the first country to raise its hand at the United Nations in support of Resolution 181, to create the State of Israel and a Palestinian state,' the ministry said. Several countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, have announced plans to recognise statehood for Palestinians. Australia's decision, it added, helps build historic global momentum to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East, pointing out that more than 77 years later, the world can no longer wait for the implementation of that resolution to be negotiated between the parties. The Australian government said the Netanyahu government is extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and explicitly opposing any Palestinian state. 'The international community is moving to establish a Palestinian state consistent with a two-state solution,' it said. 'A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering, and starvation in Gaza,' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters at Parliament House in Canberra following a Cabinet meeting on Monday. The recognition to be made at the 80th UN General Assembly would lend legitimacy to the cause of Palestinian statehood and see Australia join France, the UK, and Canada. The US has so far opposed recognition of a Palestinian state outside of a peace agreement with Israel. The Australian Foreign Minister said in a statement that 'the world is seizing the opportunity of major new commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including to reform governance, terminate prisoner payments, institute schooling reform, demilitarise, and hold general elections. The Palestinian Authority has also restated its recognition of Israel's right to exist. The President of the Palestinian Authority has reaffirmed these commitments directly to the Australian Government.' Australia's position, the statement said, is predicated on the commitments received from the Palestinian Authority. 'We will continue to work with the international community to hold the Palestinian Authority to its commitments and to encourage normalised relations between Israel and its neighbours.' The commitments by the Palestinian Authority are strengthened by the Arab League's unprecedented demand for the terrorist organisation Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons. 'Together these factors mean that this is the best opportunity Australia may ever have to support moderate voices for peace in the region, to undermine extremism, and to further isolate Hamas. This is the movement to which Australia and so many countries are seeking to add momentum,' it added. Hamas, the government stressed, continues to damage the prospects of a two-state solution and rejects Israel's right to exist. 'Hamas must release the hostages cruelly taken on October 7, 2023, immediately, unconditionally, and with dignity. The Australian Government has consistently made clear there can be no role for Hamas in a Palestinian state.' Australia is also compelled, it said, by the Netanyahu government's disregard of the international community's calls and its failure to comply with legal and ethical obligations in Gaza. Israel is required to protect civilians and ensure the provision of food and medical supplies. Permanent forced displacement of civilians is illegal. 'Palestinian children deserve a future that looks nothing like their reality today,' it said. The statement concluded: 'There is much more work to do in building the Palestinian state. We will work with partners on a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the security of Israel. 'Australia will continue to be a constructive partner in support of a two-state solution, as the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future that respects the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.' The Netanyahu government on Friday authorised an advance on Gaza City after talks on a third ceasefire between Israel and Hamas stalled in July. Israeli forces had previously avoided the area for fear that hostages believed to be held there could be harmed or lost in the chaos of combat. About 20 hostages are still believed to be alive. Prior to Australia's announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had described Canberra's planned recognition as 'shameful.' Albanese said at his press conference on Monday that the situation in Gaza 'has gone beyond the world's worst fears,' referring to the impact on civilians. UNI AAB