Australia’s Albanese says Netanyahu ‘in denial’ over suffering in Gaza

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu is “in denial” about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, a day after announcing Australia would recognize a Palestinian state for the first time.

Albanese says the Netanyahu government’s reluctance to listen to its allies contributed to Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

“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,” Albanese says in an interview with state broadcaster ABC, recounting a Thursday phone call with Netanyahu discussing the issue.

Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state is conditional on commitments received from the Palestinian Authority, including that Hamas would have no involvement in any future state.

Albanese said last month he would not be drawn on a timeline for recognition of a Palestinian state, and has previously been wary of dividing public opinion in Australia, which has significant Jewish and Muslim minorities.

But the public mood has shifted sharply after Israel said it planned to take over Gaza City, amid increasing reports of hunger and malnutrition across the Strip.