Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged world leaders to seize an opportunity to permanently disarm Hamas and drive the listed terrorist group out of the Middle East by reviving efforts to achieve a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Source: SMH.
Mr Albanese this morning addressed a conference on the two-state solution at United Nations headquarters, a day after Australia’s recognition of Palestine took formal effect alongside Canada’s and Britain’s.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who spearheaded the conference with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announced that France would also officially recognise Palestine as he pleaded with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza and back the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
The French leader called for Hamas to release all the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza but said this was no reason to prolong the bloodshed.
Mr Netanyahu and fellow Israeli politicians have reacted angrily to the recognition push, declaring there would never be a Palestinian state and threatening retaliation when Mr Netanyahu returns to Jerusalem following his trip to the US.
In his speech to the two-state solution conference, Mr Albanese said the Arab League’s call for Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and lay down its weapons has created a “moment of opportunity” the world must not let pass by.
“A chance to deliver self-determination for the people of Palestine in a way that permanently disarms and isolates Hamas – and drives them out of the region once and for all,” Mr Albanese said.
“In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people.
“That means more than a seat, a voice and a vote in the councils of the world. It means real hope for a place they call home.”
Mr Albanese said Israel “must accept its share of responsibility” for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as he accused the Netanyahu Government of taking actions that threaten to put a two-state solution beyond reach.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she would rescind the decision to recognise Palestine if elected to government.
FULL STORY
‘Real hope for a place they call home’: Albanese’s plea to world leaders on Palestine (By Matthew Knott, Sydney Morning Herald)
‘We would reverse it’: Ley writes back to Republicans over recognition of Palestine (By Paul Sakkal, The Age)
