Australian minister says Palestinian statehood recognition ‘a matter of when, not if’

SYDNEY — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says that he discussed the crisis in Gaza with his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, and reiterated his government’s strong support for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

Starmer this week said Britain was prepared to recognize a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly in response to growing public anger over the images of starving children in Gaza.

Australia has not yet made a formal decision to recognize Palestinian statehood though Albanese supports Israel’s right to exist within secure borders and Palestinians’ right to demand their own state.

In a statement, Albanese says they agreed on the importance of using international momentum to secure a ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages and the acceleration of aid. They also want to ensure terrorist group Hamas does not play a role in a future Palestinian state.

Some of Israel’s closest allies, including France and Canada, have indicated they would recognize a Palestinian state amid growing international outrage over the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israel has criticized France, Britain and Canada, saying their decision will reward Hamas.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the treatment of hostages and any involvement of Hamas in a future Palestinian state remained major obstacles for Australia but adds the government would push for a two-state solution.

“It’s a matter of when, not if, Australia recognizes a Palestinian state … but I don’t want to put a time frame on it,” Chalmers tells ABC News.