The Albanese government is increasingly confident in announcing its intention to recognise a Palestinian state. This self-assuredness continues despite the fact that some of these same areas remain under occupation by Israel. This move, if it goes through, is a direct reaction to the escalating international pressure in favor of Palestinian statehood. At the same time, talks persist on bringing about a two-state resolution to the years-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Experts highlight that this move would be unprecedented but could signify a turning point in both Australian and global diplomatic relations.
Australia’s new policy— One State, One Government, One Law, One Gun —lays out a bold agenda. It seeks to see elections take place within the year, if not earlier. This smart plan immediately removes weapons from Hamas in a limited time frame. It’s about establishing a political architecture that would be sustainable for the Palestinians. Recent moves by Canada and a number of European countries have generated momentum towards acknowledging them. The trend reflects and indicates a broadening consensus among Western allies.
In announcing these measures, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the need for urgent action. Admitting that the world cannot wait until success is guaranteed, he argued that we need to act now. His comments reflect a broader sentiment that immediate recognition of Palestine may be necessary to avert further deterioration in the region.
International Support for Palestinian Statehood
The international climate around Palestinian recognition has changed rapidly in recent months. Key European and Middle Eastern nations have expressed their support for rebuilding Gaza and facilitating peace initiatives in the region. France’s announcement of its plans to recognise a Palestinian state came a day before the United Kingdom made its own declaration. The New York Declaration, which at least rhetorically commits the UN to these goals, represents another critical international turn against Palestine.
In this regard, the Palestinian Authority continues to advance its agenda of reforms. Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen, a representative of the authority, noted, “We’re moving by the book and we are presenting our reports on the milestones we are achieving.” He noted particularly the need for international support. This, in turn, will make for a much better climate heading into the anticipated elections in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
“Now, we need the support of the international community to ensure that the environment is conducive to enable Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank to be part of this election process.” – Dr Aghabekian
We hope that reform agenda increases good governance and stability in the Palestinian territories. It will put them in a better position to negotiate peace with Israel.
Challenges to Two-State Solution
And yet, despite this burgeoning international support, the two-state solution faces serious and intractable barriers to realization. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly contested any advance towards that result as long as fighting in Gaza persists. This position muddies the future for peace. It raises questions about Israel’s genuine openness to withdraw from the Aug.-2021-legal-settlement West Bank settlements that international law deems illegal.
In a recent opinion piece, Professor Don Rothwell explained the full implications of Australia’s likely recognition of a Palestinian state. He announced that no country can ever officially recognize Palestine while it is still under Israeli occupation. This would create an unprecedented situation in the story of international relations. He pointed out that not doing so risked leaving Israel with an errantly growing sense of isolation on the global stage.
“The Israeli leadership will have to really take notice of that because, otherwise Israel is going to remain more isolated … the next step would be sanctions if Prime Minister Netanyahu remains defiant.” – Professor Saikal
The mood among world leaders is becoming one of increasing urgency. Senator Wong said that when it comes to fostering peace and stability in the Middle East, recognising Palestine is an important step. She warned though, that if we don’t act now, there won’t be a Palestine to celebrate.
“The best way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is for there to be two states and the reason for urgency behind recognition is this, there is a risk that there will be no Palestine left to recognise if the world does not act,” – Senator Wong
Australia’s Role in Global Diplomacy
Australia’s move to recognize Palestine would mark the east Asian nation’s return to the ranks of active international diplomacy concerning Middle Eastern conflicts. Australia is set to follow other Western countries in supporting Palestinian statehood. Beyond its real significance, though, this shift points to an increasing recognition of the Palestinian cause across the globe.
Professor Saikal remarked on the significance of this trend: “They will simply be joining another 147 countries around the world that have recognised the state of Palestine. This time it is members of the western alliance that have come forward, and I think that is very significant.”
Albanese expressed optimism about Australia’s role in seizing this moment, stating, “There is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it.”
This legal finding may lead to official declarations of recognition on platforms such as the United Nations. Measures like these would bolster Australia’s efforts on this urgent topic.
“There’s such a strong momentum towards Australia and many like-minded making this formal announcement of recognition at the United Nations it’s very difficult to see how anything could derail that,” – Professor Rothwell
Obstacles posed by a sense of political entitlement to electoral change, embedded in the Palestinian Authority, still persist. Moreover, Rothwell warned that it will be hard to measure whether these expectations come to fruition in the next month.
“It’s also very difficult to see how some of the expectations Australia has with respect to the reform of the Palestinian Authority elections will play out over the next month.” – Professor Rothwell
