Australia may soon recognize a Palestinian state as a way to kick-start an international movement pushing for a two-state solution.
“The simple truth is that a secure and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians will only come with a two-state solution—recognition of each other’s right to exist,” stated Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a speech at the National Security College conference on Tuesday evening.
“A two-state solution is the only hope to break the endless cycle of violence. This is why we are urging all parties to return to the table and support all efforts to advance a political process, including discussions between regional leaders,” she said.
Wong proposed that a “reformed Palestinian Authority” should lead any future state, and international recognition of such an Arab state would “undermine Hamas, Iran, and Iran’s other destructive proxies in the region.” She also called on the Israeli government to abandon plans for a Rafah ground offensive, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make “major and immediate changes” to protect civilians, citing a United Nations report warning of imminent starvation in Gaza.
Last week, the Palestinian Authority reapplied for UN-recognized statehood, citing support from 140 countries that have already recognized a Palestinian state. Opposition is expected from the United States, which has a longstanding policy towards the PA that UN membership should result from a negotiated agreement with Israel.
