‘We won’t make a decision as a gesture’: Albanese says Australia will not join French push to recognise Palestine

7 hours ago 5

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Israel of breaking international law by restricting the entry of aid into Gaza, while rejecting calls for Australia to join a French-led push to recognise Palestinian statehood.

The Israeli military has announced that airdrops of aid will begin in Gaza and humanitarian corridors will be established for United Nations convoys to deliver food after growing international condemnation over starvation in the beleaguered strip.

Albanese told the ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday morning that “quite clearly, it is a breach of international law to stop food being delivered, which was a decision that Israel made in March”.

Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity distribution point in the city of Gaza.

Albanese added that, while he is not a lawyer, he considers Israeli restrictions on food and other supplies entering Gaza as a breach “breach of decency, humanity and morality”.

“No,” Albanese said when asked if he would join with Macron. “We will make a decision at an appropriate time ... Is the time right now? Are we about to imminently do that? No, we are not.”

Albanese indicated that Australia would only recognise Palestine after key conditions, such as the removal of Hamas from power in Gaza, are met, suggesting any such move will not happen in the near future.

“We support two states so some would argue, ‘Well, why don’t you just recognise the state?’” he asked.

“You need to recognise a Palestinian state as part of moving forward. How do you exclude Hamas from any involvement there? How do you ensure that a Palestinian state operates in an appropriate way that does not threaten the existence of Israel?”

He continued: “We won’t do any decision as a gesture. We will do it as a way forward if the circumstances are met.”

Albanese also noted that there had been no elections in Palestine for many years, presenting another hurdle to recognising a Palestinian state.

Albanese’s comments will likely disappoint Labor elders, such as former foreign ministers Gareth Evans and Bob Carr, who have been urging the government to move quickly to recognise a Palestinian state.

The Labor rank-and-file also strongly supports Palestinian statehood and has been urging the government to take stronger action against Israel, including further sanctions and an arms embargo.

Carr, a strong supporter of Palestine, said on Friday: “We should follow France and recognise Palestine in line with Labor policy and the near unanimous opinion of ALP rank and file and voter base.”