Hamas Pleased That Israel’s Right to Exist No Longer Forefront of Gaza Debate, Says Shadow Foreign Minister

Opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed national security concerns over Australia accepting Gazan refugees who may have ties to Hamas, sparking debate.

Former Australian Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on May 13, 2021. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham said recent parliamentary debates over Gazan refugees arriving in Australia has probably left Hamas “happy.”

“The government and others around the world have shifted the goalposts in relation to a two-state solution, and the approach to that seems to no longer put ensuring peace, security, and recognition of Israel’s right to exist at the forefront as part of that negotiation and offers the opportunity for an early or premature approach to recognition,” he told ABC Radio on Aug. 19.