Statehood stalemate
Anthony Albanese is edging toward recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN, but his own red lines on Hamas and the Palestinian Authority may prove impossible to satisfy.
There is a growing sense of inevitability that Anthony Albanese is inching toward recognising Palestinian statehood at next month’s United Nations General Assembly — but the red lines he has drawn on the issue leave ample reason for scepticism.
The long-running humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN warns Israel’s blockade is creating famine, has seen Australia’s closest friends accelerate their push for a Palestinian state.
Over the past week, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have stated that they would, with conditions, recognise the state of Palestine by September. For a centre-left leader like Albanese, following their lead wouldn’t be seen as radical.
In fact, it would be entirely consistent with the government’s cautious posture since the October 7 attacks by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent invasion of Gaza: express concern, back a ceasefire, and avoid sticking your head too far above the parapet. On sanctions and condemnation of Israel’s blockade, Australia has remained a step behind like-minded countries, seemingly deliberately.
