Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended Australia's stance on Palestinian statehood recognition in an address at the United Nations General Assembly, using his speech to compare the plight of Palestinians to that of the Jews before the creation of Israel.
The address at the high-level two-state solution session in the UN came a day after his government officially recognised the State of Palestine.
"In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people," Albanese said. "It means real hope for a place they can call home. This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people."
Albanese described the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023 as "horrific" and called for the return of hostages.
"We stand with Jewish people around the world, who feel the cold shadow of history's darkest chapter in any act of antisemitism," Albanese said.
PM calls for Israel to accept responsibility over 'humanitarian catastrophe'
In his speech, Albanese urged the Israeli government to "accept its share of responsibility" for the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.
He said Australia has added its voice to global calls for a ceasefire and defended his cabinet's decision to independently endorse the government's recognition of a Palestinian state, which came into effect on Sunday.
A swathe of countries are using this session of the UN General Assembly to recognise a Palestinian state, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Portugal, Malta and Andorra.
Roughly 150 of the UN's member states, or more than three-quarters, now recognise its statehood.
"We want the killing to stop," Albanese said. "Right now, Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. And for this, the Israeli government must accept its share of responsibility."
"The international community's vision for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East always encompassed two states. A state of Israel and a state of Palestine. Living side by side, within internationally recognised borders. And recognising each other's right to live in peace and security," Albanese said.
The government says its decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is conditional on Hamas having no role in the future state and is based on assurances from the Palestinian Authority that it will demilitarise, hold democratic elections and reform governance, finance and education.
Ley vows to reverse recognition during call with Israeli minister
Opposition leader Sussan Ley spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday night, vowing to reverse the recognition of a Palestinian state if her party came to power.
"I expressed our appreciation for her position opposing the government of Australia's recent decision and for her announcement that, should there be a change of government in Australia, this decision would be reversed," Sa'ar posted to X following the call.
"I stressed that Israel is well aware of the many friends it has in Australia and distinguishes between the government and the people of Australia."
Ley reiterated the Coalition's position in a letter to US Republicans — who had issued a warning to Australia and other nations of punitive measures for recognising Palestinian statehood.
"I write to reassure you, and the Congress, that this decision taken at this time by the Labor Government does not enjoy bipartisan support here in Australia," Ley wrote, adding that she would make the United States her first overseas visit as opposition leader, later this year.
US president meeting still in the air
US President Donald Trump is vehemently opposed to the international push for statehood, joined by Australia, the UK, Canada, France and multiple other countries this week.
"He [Trump] feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza. It does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the UN briefing.
"And frankly, he believes it is a reward to Hamas. He believes these decisions is just more talk and not enough action from some of our friends and allies."
Australia faces pushback from 25 US Republicans who suggest "punitive measures" could be imposed on countries that recognise a Palestinian state.
The grouping of hardline Israel supporters, including former presidential candidate Ted Cruz, says the countries choosing to recognise a Palestinian state now are "rewarding terrorism".
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press
This is a developing story and this article will be updated.
