Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has vowed to reverse Australia’s recognition of Palestine if the Coalition wins power at the next election.
Her pledge came in letters sent to senior U.S. Republicans and Israeli officials, and comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese just hours earlier announced the country would officially recognise the Palestinian state, in coordination with the UK, France, and Canada.
Albanese made the pledge prior to his speech to the U.N. General Assembly, saying it reflects Australia’s “longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples.”
“The terrorist organisation Hamas must have no role in Palestine,” Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.“Further steps, including the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of embassies, will be considered as the Palestinian Authority makes progress on its commitments to reform.”
