By Michaelia Cash, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs
We have serious concerns about the Albanese Government’s decision to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state outside of a proper peace and two-state process.
Until today, it has been a bipartisan position that the question of recognising Palestinian statehood should come at the end of the peace negotiation process, not at the start or during it.
Until today, it was a bipartisan position that there should be no recognition of a Palestinian state with Hamas still in control of Gaza.
Despite his words today, the reality is Anthony Albanese has committed Australia to recognising Palestine while hostages remain in tunnels under Gaza and with Hamas still in control of the population of Gaza.
Recognising a Palestinian state prior to a return of the hostages and defeat of Hamas, risks delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7.
This decision, at this time, puts Australia at odds with the United States of America. The US is our most important ally. It will have an essential role in brokering a viable peace process and establishing a sustainable Palestinian state.
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that decisions to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a proper peace process scuttled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
Australians all want the war in Gaza to end. Ending this war is the only way to save lives and safeguard a two-state solution.
