As Canada joins the United Kingdom and France with a plan to recognise Palestinian statehood, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said it is a matter of “when, not if” that Australia follows.
Chalmers made the remark this morning but stopped short of committing to a timeframe, adding that there were “a number of obstacles still in the way” including the release of Israeli hostages and removal of Hamas.
“I think it’s a matter of when, not if, Australia recognises a Palestinian state,” he told the ABC.
This morning, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he would recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations General Assembly in September under the condition of governance reforms and the demilitarisation of Hamas.
“The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life,” he said.
Carney’s statement of intent follows similar commitments by the United Kingdom and France, whose leaders have confirmed in recent days that they will recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN meeting in September.
“The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
“We will do it unless the Israeli government acts to end the appalling situation in Gaza, ends its military campaign, and commits to a long-term sustainable peace based on a two-state solution,” United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
The Israeli government has condemned both countries, saying that recognising Palestine as a state would reward Hamas.
“Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel, not to live in peace beside it.”
US President Donald Trump echoed a similar sentiment earlier this week.
“You could make the case that you’re rewarding people, you’re rewarding Hamas,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a phone call with Starmer yesterday to discuss the situation in Gaza and a viable two-state solution.
“The leaders agreed on the importance of using the international momentum to secure a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the acceleration of aid, as well as ensuring Hamas did not play a role in a future state,” a government statement read.
But at a press conference that same day, Albanese failed to commit to the September timeframe.
“I’ve said for a long time, my entire political life, I’ve said I support two states,” he said.
“The right of Israel to exist within secure borders and the right of Palestinians to have their legitimate aspirations for their own state realised. That’s my objective.”
International pressure has mounted after the recent announcements on Palestinian statehood by the G7 countries.
It comes after months of failed calls by Australia, Canada, the UK, France and other countries for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The United Nations yesterday declared conditions in Gaza “catastrophic” as people starve and essential supplies run critically low despite “tactical pauses” by Israeli forces.
