The co-founder of the listed terror group Hamas has praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for recognising a Palestinian state.
Albanese had previously stated he would only give official recognition to a Palestinian state on condition of a guarantee that Hamas would play no part in its government.
However, the Australian leader appeared to have backtracked after a conference call with a handful of world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who also recently recognised a Palestinian state.
Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a Hamas co-founder and senior figure in the West Bank, told the Sydney Morning Herald he congratulated the move.
“We welcome Australia’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine, and consider it an important step towards achieving justice for our people and securing their legitimate rights,” he said.
“This position reflects political courage and a commitment to the values of justice and the right of peoples to self-determination.”
Yousef urged more countries to follow suit.
“We call on all countries, especially those that believe in freedom and human dignity, to follow Australia’s example and translate their positions into practical steps to support the Palestinian people and end their suffering under occupation,” he said.
Hamas’s stance differs from Albanese’s earlier prediction that the group would reject the move, as it has long sought a single state rather than a two-state solution alongside Israel.
It is understood Hamas has only praised the move to recognise a Palestinian state, but remains opposed to a two-state outcome.
Albanese has not commented publicly on the exchange, with his most recent X posts focused on domestic events such as meat pies, solar energy, and strawberry sundaes.
“This decision, at this time, puts Australia at odds with the United States of America, our most important ally, and the most consequential player in the conflict in Gaza,” she wrote on X.
“It is critical to note that the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that decisions to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a proper peace process scuttled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.”
Ley also accused the leader of being overly invested in overseas matters while ignoring domestic issues.
“We can care deeply about what’s happening in the world and still expect our leaders to put Australians first,” she said on Aug. 13.
“We oppose the Prime Minister’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state and in government the Coalition will reverse it.”
