Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that Australia has no immediate plans to recognise a Palestinian state, despite mounting pressure from within the Labour Party to act on the government’s long-standing commitment.
Albanese stressed that further steps were necessary before such a move could be considered as part of a credible two-state solution. Albanese also condemned Israel for what he described as a breach of international law by blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning that the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu is losing support globally.
Albanese highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, referencing widely circulated images of emaciated children and rising civilian deaths.
While Israel announced that it would begin airdropping aid and establish humanitarian corridors, Albanese said the measures were only a start in addressing the escalating starvation crisis. According to reports, at least 57 people were killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours, many while seeking aid.
The prime minister reiterated Australia’s support for a ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas but insisted that both sides must uphold humanitarian principles. When pressed on whether he was directly accusing Israel of breaching international law.
Despite affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, Albanese criticised the Israeli-American joint operations that have resulted in fatalities among civilians queuing for aid.
Calls for Australia to recognise a Palestinian state have intensified, with figures such as former Foreign Minister Bob Carr, Labour MP Ed Husic, and the Labour Friends of Palestine group urging immediate action. However, Albanese said such a move could only happen when key conditions are met.
He raised concerns over Hamas’s potential involvement in a Palestinian state and said that any future recognition must ensure Israel’s security and exclude organisations threatening its existence. The role of the Palestinian Authority and the United States in ensuring stability and rebuilding Gaza was also described as critical.
Meanwhile, the opposition criticised the government’s handling of the conflict. Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash told that the Albanese government should have more forcefully condemned Hamas, stating that calls for a ceasefire must be accompanied by demands for the group to end hostilities.
Albanese reiterated that “Australia condemns the terror and brutality of Hamas and we reiterate our call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.” However, Albanese has stopped short of recognising a Palestinian state or outlining a concrete timeline for such a decision.
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