Australia recognises Palestinian state: ‘You can’t just watch and not have a response’

In a historic declaration, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia officially recognises the state of Palestine, saying the decision reaffirms “Australia’s longstanding position of two states, the state of Israel and the state of Palestine, living side-by-side behind internationally recognised borders in peace and security”.
He also laid out conditions for recognition, including commitment from the Palestinian Authority to demilitarise and remove “the terrorists of Hamas” from governing Gaza, recognise “Israel’s right to exist in peace” and hold democratic elections.
“This is the best chance the world has had in decades to disarm and isolate Hamas and deliver self-determination for the people of Palestine,” he said.
Responding to the decision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there will never be a Palestinian state, as he accused Albanese and other like-minded leaders of “rewarding terrorism” and vowed to respond.
“The response to the latest attempt to impose a terrorist state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States. Wait for it,” he said.
Read more: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australia-formally-recognises-a-palestinian-state/31a83nmyd

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