Albanese rules out recognition of Palestinian state before election
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out formally recognizing a Palestinian state before Australia’s federal election in May, asserting that such a move would require significant reform within Palestinian governance and the exclusion of Hamas from any future leadership.
Anthony Albanese/AAP
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra this morning, Albanese emphasized that the long-standing absence of elections in Gaza and the West Bank undermines the legitimacy of Palestinian leadership. He added, “I can’t see any circumstance where that can happen before the election. Hamas can play no role in a future Palestinian state. Hamas is the enemy of the Palestinian people, not just the enemy of the state of Israel.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come during a period of heightened scrutiny over Australia’s stance on the Middle East. Although Labor has historically supported Palestinian statehood, Albanese’s remarks signal a pragmatic approach focused on ensuring stability and meaningful reform. The recent ceasefire in Gaza was welcomed by Albanese, who praised international leaders including US President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing Secretary of State Anthony Blinken for their role in securing the agreement. Despite this, Albanese refrained from committing to a personal outreach to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to mend strained relations, maintaining that “Australia-Israel relations remain strong.”
Albanese’s statement builds on his previous remarks in February 2024, where he suggested that any recognition of a Palestinian state might depend on it being demilitarized. At the time, he described such a condition as an essential element of fostering long-term security and peace in the region. While his recent comments shift the focus to political reform, they continue to reflect Australia’s cautious stance on a two-state solution. In both cases, Albanese has highlighted the importance of addressing systemic issues within Palestinian leadership, a position that aligns with broader international calls for accountability and governance reform.
Despite Albanese’s insistence that Hamas must not play a role in Gaza’s future, opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the government’s approach, accusing it of inadvertently bolstering the terror group. “The government, with its actions over the course of the last year, has given hope to a terrorist organisation… that somehow they can achieve a political win out of what was a barbaric terrorist attack,” Dutton said at a press conference in Tasmania. He emphasized the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East and called for the immediate release of Israeli hostages.
Domestically, Albanese expressed concern over rising anti-Semitic incidents in Australia, urging calm and emphasizing the need to de-escalate tensions. His government has faced criticism from various quarters, including calls from the Greens to adopt a stronger stance against Israeli actions in Gaza. Despite these pressures, Albanese reiterated his commitment to a measured and balanced foreign policy, stating that Australians want to see an end to conflict and a focus on long-term solutions.
Albanese’s recent remarks underscore his belief that recognizing Palestinian statehood is contingent on meaningful change within Palestinian leadership and governance. As Australia navigates its role in the Middle East, his comments reflect a broader commitment to balancing international diplomacy with domestic stability.
