Opposition Warns Against “Rewarding Terrorism” with Palestinian Recognition

Australia’s opposition is sounding a strong warning against what it perceives as “rewarding terrorism” by recognizing Palestinian statehood prematurely, insisting that such a move should only occur at the end of a peace process. This firm stance comes as France, under President Emmanuel Macron, intensifies its lobbying efforts on Australia to join an international push for Palestinian statehood ahead of a UN-backed summit.
The upcoming summit in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20, is generating considerable speculation that France might formally recognize Palestine during the event to reinvigorate the peace process. While 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have not. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent statements suggest a potential shift in Australia’s long-held position, viewing early recognition as a way to build momentum.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its engagement with international partners, including Australia, on its four key priorities for the summit: recognition of a state of Palestine, normalization of regional relations, reform of the Palestinian Authority, and disarmament of Hamas. A French spokesperson stated that Macron hopes this recognition would integrate into a broader political dynamic, facilitating both the establishment of a Palestinian state and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration, and specifically noted Australia’s strong commitment to these aims.
Despite the government’s apparent lean towards a policy shift, underscored by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent condemnation of Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza as an “outrage,” the opposition remains resolute. They argue that there can be “no recognition of a Palestinian state with Hamas still in control of Gaza,” emphasizing the need for the release of hostages and the surrender of Hamas’s capabilities before any recognition.