Share and Follow
Key Points
- Twenty-five Republicans in the US have warned world leaders of punitive measures for recognising Palestinian statehood.
- Australia along with other countries intend to recognise a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly this week.
- A Labor frontbencher says the recognition is a step towards a two-state solution.
It came as a group of Republicans including Donald Trump loyalists Ted Cruz and Elise Stefanik warned Albanese as well as the leaders of Canada, France, and the UK against Palestinian statehood recognition, labelling the move “reckless policy” in an open letter.
Republicans warn Australia of ‘punitive measures’
“Proceeding with recognition will put your country at odds with long-standing US policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response.”
“By threatening to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Starmer joins President Macron in rewarding Hamas for its barbaric terrorism against the Jewish state and its refusal to free the 50 hostages it’s held captive for 662 days,” APAIC said in a July statement.
Minister responds to Republicans
“While everyone is entitled to their views, we will determine Australian foreign policy, not anyone else,” he told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.
Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen says Australia sees Palestinian recognition is “a meaningful step forward to a two-state solution”. Source: AAP / DARREN ENGLAND/AAPIMAGE
He said the government now saw recognising Palestinian statehood as a step towards a two-state solution, not the result of negotiations.
“I believe that Israel will be truly free and secure when Palestine is,” Bowen said.
