Australia Warns No Palestine Left Without Two-State Solution

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has emphasized that formal recognition of a Palestinian state by Australia is a matter of 'when, not if,' while warning that without international efforts to establish a two-state solution, there may be no Palestine left to recognize. Wong highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Israel's withholding of aid and expressing solidarity with mass protests in Sydney against the conflict. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, reaffirming Australia's commitment to a two-state solution and urging humanitarian aid access and a ceasefire. Albanese is also seeking a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss these issues further. Despite this stance, the Australian government remains cautious, with Albanese previously stating that any recognition of Palestinian statehood must ensure that Hamas, designated as a terror group, has no role in the future state. Australia's approach reflects a balance between supporting Palestinian statehood and addressing security concerns related to Hamas's involvement.