By Kennedy Nalyanya
Australia is set to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, following a similar path to the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, comes as international pressure mounts on Israel to end the war in Gaza.
Albanese stated that the move is contingent on several commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including the demilitarization of a future state, the holding of general elections, and the continued recognition of Israel's right to exist. Additionally, the PA, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has assured Australia that Hamas will not have a role in a future Palestinian government.
"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," Albanese said.
The decision has been met with condemnation from Israel, which has stated that recognizing a Palestinian state "rewards terrorism." This comes amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry reports that five people have died from starvation and malnutrition since Saturday, bringing the total to 217. The ministry also claims that Israel's military campaign, launched in response to the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 61,000 people. The October 7 attack killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 people being taken hostage.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has hailed the move as a sign of growing global support for the self-determination of the Palestinian people.
Albanese said the decision was made after discussions with leaders from the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan, highlighting a coordinated international effort. "There is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it," he told the media.
This announcement also follows a large pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney, where tens of thousands of supporters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge last Sunday.
What are your thoughts on this development and its potential impact on the peace process in the Middle East?
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