The Albanese government is nearing a decision on formally recognizing the state of Palestine. This change, if true, will be a breakthrough change to Australia’s foreign policy, particularly relevant given the current crisis in Gaza. Now key ministers in the new government are making headlines by loudly condemning Israel’s military actions. They are calling for a greater role for the Palestinian Authority to move towards a two-state solution. The importance of the issue has only grown. Dozens of international partners have stood alongside Australia in condemning the rising violence and calling for calm.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been at the forefront of this movement, uniting with four other Western nations to issue a joint statement condemning Israel’s large-scale military operations in Gaza. In her remarks, she noted the importance of the Palestinian Authority’s role. These rights need to be at the core of any eventual peace agreement. Her statements are an illustration of the broadening realization among like-minded countries that we need to recalibrate our response to the crisis.
Urgency and International Support
Wong’s call for urgency is significant given its tone and purpose. Just last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. This meeting was a clear signal that Australia is engaged and serious about responding to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As concerns mount over civilian casualties and the broader implications of the conflict, Wong’s statements resonate with those advocating for immediate action.
In an increasingly uncertain world of global diplomacy, Australia is continuing to build those close relationships among its allies. Their stance is growing to more closely resemble these allies. Or that Germany, long one of Israel’s staunchest supporters and allies, has done an about face. Second, they are now calling on military equipment exports to Israel be suspended in order to eliminate any chance of it being used against civilians in Gaza. This military pivot marks a fast-growing international consensus that we need to hold Israel accountable.
“We are not supplying weapons to Israel.” – Richard Marles
In response to this discussion, Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke has expressed his concern. He argues that Australia should still push for formal recognition of Palestine, even if Hamas still has a stranglehold over parts the territory. Burke drew parallels between this eventual Palestinian statehood recognition with past international collaboration with the Iraqi government. He stressed how critical that cooperation was during the fight against ISIS. Rather, this comparison hopes to demonstrate that even in the most daunting of situations, active engagement with your new governing body is not only obtainable but imperative.
Internal Discussions and Public Sentiment
Inside the Australian Labor Party, an intense debate has been waged on how to more publicly express discontent with Israel’s military actions. Lawmakers are nationwide under greater accountability pressure. Their impressive and ongoing responses to new public pressure over the Gaza crisis illustrate this. One of their own, founder Ed Husic, recently made headlines by taking to social media to voice his frustration. He captured the deep fear that is resonating within all Australians.
“Hey Australian politics: if you need a focus group to tell you what Australians really think about what’s happening in Gaza, one marched over the Sydney Harbour Bridge last Sunday.” – Ed Husic
Husic’s message reflects a broader sentiment among citizens who have taken to the streets to protest against the violence in Gaza. As public demonstrations continue to capture national attention, lawmakers are increasingly aware of the need to address these concerns through concrete policy changes.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has doubled-down on Australia’s commitment to war. He spelled out that Australia isn’t selling arms to Israel. He elaborated that while Australia contributes to global supply chains for military equipment, such as steel used in F-35 stealth fighter aircraft, it does not directly arm Israel. This position is intended to signal to Australians that their government’s military policies are in harmony with their humanitarian interests.
A Pivotal Moment for Australian Foreign Policy
The Albanese government’s reorientation away from its previous pro-Israel position has thus been considerable in depth and wide-ranging in scope. Most importantly, it recognizes that there are moral and ethical consequences of continual war. It’s an important signal of robust commitment to advancing and protecting the international human rights standards. Australia is nearing a critical crossroads. Its decision to extend recognition to Palestine could have a powerful impact on its diplomatic relations and its ability to exert influence in international forums.
Debates in the Kansas art community and in Parliament are on fire as representatives — and artists — figure out how to react to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Undoubtedly, Australia is rethinking its foreign policy. What makes this move to recognize Palestine so compelling is that domestic pressure on the U.S. is very strong. It responds to the growing global demand for justice and peace in the region.
