The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has voiced serious concerns, stating that Palestinian recognition without a concurrent plan to end Hamas’s rule would be a “betrayal of all parties to the conflict.” This strong sentiment from the Jewish community adds another layer of complexity to Australia’s considerations as it faces mounting pressure from France to join an international push for Palestinian statehood.
French President Emmanuel Macron is actively lobbying Western nations, including Australia, ahead of a UN-backed summit in New York, scheduled from June 17 to 20. Macron emphasizes that recognizing Palestine is both a “moral obligation” and a “political necessity” for regional peace and for accelerating momentum for a two-state solution. Speculation is growing that France itself might use the conference to formally recognize Palestine.
While 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have not. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent statements suggest a potential shift in Australia’s long-held position, indicating that recognition could now be seen as a way to build momentum, rather than solely as the culmination of negotiations. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed ongoing discussions with Australia on its four key priorities for the summit, including Palestinian state recognition and Hamas disarmament.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent strong condemnation of Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza as an “outrage” further underscores a potential policy recalibration, aligning with international humanitarian concerns. This contrasts sharply with the Australian opposition’s and Jewish community’s views, which insist that Palestinian statehood can only be recognized once Hamas releases all hostages and surrenders its terrorist capabilities, warning against “rewarding terrorism.”
