Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today defended his government’s pledge to recognise a Palestinian state, insisting Hamas members could be barred from any government.

His announcement yesterday was slammed by Israel’s president, who accused the federal government of rewarding “terror”.

But Albanese told Today this morning the world needed to act before more innocent lives were lost.

“There has been too many innocent lives lost, both Israelis and Palestinians, and the world is saying we need a solution to this conflict,” he said.

Australia, alongside France, the UK and Canada, will recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next month.

Albanese said before yesterday’s announcement that a decision to recognise a Palestinian state was not imminent.

But he indicated growing international support for Palestinian statehood, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision last week to reoccupy Gaza, had provided momentum.

“The decisions of the Netanyahu government, firstly, the stopping of aid that we’ve seen and then the loss of life that we’re seeing around those aid distribution points, where people queuing for food and water are losing their lives, is just completely unacceptable,” Albanese said.

“And we have said that. I’ve spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

“He, again, reiterated to me what he has said publicly as well, which is to be in denial about the consequences that are occurring for innocent people.” 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the move by Australia and several western allies was a “grave and dangerous mistake” and emboldened terrorist group Hamas.

But, Albanese suggested, as part of conditions for Australia recognising the nation of Palestine, the global community could prevent Hamas representatives from standing for elections.

“Of course there is something we can do. We can stop them standing, let alone be elected.

“You can if you have the Arab states in the Middle East, all speaking as one, as well as the Palestinian Authority, as well as the international community.