Penny Wong prepared to recognise Palestinian statehood
In a speech to the ANU's National Security College, Australia's Foreign Minister said a two-state solution is the "only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence".
Foreign minister Penny Wong has told the ANU’s National Security College that the Australian government is prepared to recognise Palestinian statehood “as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution”.
While calling for an immediate ceasefire “enabling the release of hostages”, Wong said the only peaceful way forward for Israelis and Palestinians will be a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel.
“We need to build the pathway out of the endless cycle of violence,” she said.
“We need to build the pathway to a peace that is enduring, and just. Because the simple truth is that a secure and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians will only come with a two-state solution.
“Recognition of each other’s right to exist.”
Wong added that those who claim recognition is rewarding an enemy are wrong.
“First, because Israel’s own security depends on a two-state solution.
There is no long-term security for Israel unless it is recognised by the countries of its region.
“Second, because there is no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state. Hamas is a terrorist organisation which has the explicit intent of the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. And it should be acknowledged that Hamas also rains terror on the Palestinian people in Gaza.
“It has long been understood that any future Palestinian state cannot be in a position to threaten Israel’s security and will need a reformed Palestinian Authority.”
“Recognising a Palestinian state – one that can only exist side by side with a secure Israel – doesn’t just offer the Palestinian people an opportunity to realise their aspirations. It also strengthens the forces for peace and undermines extremism. It undermines Hamas, Iran and Iran’s other destructive proxies in the region.
“A two-state solution is the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence.”
Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said any talk of recognising Palestinian statehood so soon after the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel would be seen as “a reward for those attacks”.
“Before any talk of statehood is credible, Hamas must be removed and a new generation of Palestinian leadership must emerge, which isn’t corrupt, doesn’t condone violence and recognises Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State,” he said.
Australia-Israel and Jewish Affairs Council director Colin Rubenstein said Palestinians would see any near-term recognition of statehood “as a major national achievement made possible by Hamas’ wave of barbaric mass violence”.
In her speech, Wong also addressed the Greens and the Liberals.
“The Greens political party is willing to purposely amplify disinformation, exploiting distress in a blatant and cynical play for votes – with no regard for the social disharmony they are fuelling,” she said.
“At the same time, Mr (Peter) Dutton reflexively dismisses concern for Palestinians as Hamas-sympathising.”
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