Anthony Albanese says Australia will make its own mind up on recognition of a Palestinian state

Anthony Albanese is refusing to commit to the Australian government recognising Palestine as a state after another ally vowed to do so.

Anthony Albanese says Australia will make “our own decisions” on when to recognise Palestinian statehood, as allied countries line up to do so if needed at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron was the first major Western leader to say he would officially recognise Palestine as the Israel-Gaza war nears its second anniversary.

UK Labour prime minister Keir Stamer said he would do the same unless Israel stopped the war in Gaza, where the number of civilians dying from starvation is growing daily due to the Israeli government’s chokehold on aid.

With Canada’s Mark Carney also pledging to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UNGA in New York in September, there is speculation Mr Albanese could follow suit.

The Prime Minister, who is expected to attend the General Assembly, said he remained committed to a two-state solution, but would not be pushed into a commitment.

“From our perspective, we’re a sovereign state, we’ll make our own decisions,” he told the ABC’s 7.30 program.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has again refused to say when Australia will commit to recognising a Palestinian state. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

He said the timeline for Australia depended on actions from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides, including terror group Hamas to be exluded from governance in Gaza.

“Those stipulations need to be advanced. That’s the point. And we want to make sure it’s not just a gesture but it’s a positive contribution to that,” Mr Albanese said.

“I believe very strongly that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people need to be realised, but in order for that to be achieved, there needs to also be security for the state of Israel.

“And that’s why issues such as a demilitarised state in Gaza and the West Bank is an important step on that, as well as the recognition by the states around Israel of its legitimacy as well to continue to exist.”

He said the two-state solution was a bipartisan position in Australia..

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing international pressure to recognise a Palestinian state this year. Picture: Martin Ollman / NewsWire

Earlier on Thursday, senior opposition senator James Paterson warned against the “premature recognition of a Palestinian state”.

Senator Paterson said such a move would legitimise Hamas, the Islamist militants that still control most of war-torn Gaza.

“It’s not a matter for me to commentate on Canadian foreign policy – that’s a matter for the Canadian government,” he told Sky News.

“But I’m very happy to give you my view on Australian foreign policy, and that is that I do not support the premature recognition of a Palestinian state before the conclusion of a peace process that establishes two states of Israel and Palestine.

“And the reason for that is that if you were to recognise a Palestinian state today, as the Albanese government is leaning towards doing, you would be recognising a state which is in part governed by a terrorist organisation … which continues to hold 50 Israelis hostage.

“Which has sworn the destruction of the State of Israel and the people in it, which has caused death and devastation for people of Gaza.”

Senator James Paterson is warning against ‘premature recognition of a Palestinian state’. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

Senator Paterson also took aim at the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank.

He lambasted the governing body for not holding an election since 2006, calling it “deeply corrupt”.

The Prime Minister overnight spoke with his British counterpart on Gaza.

According to a readout, Mr Albanese updated Sir Keir on Australia’s aid efforts in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory and “commitment to continue increasing aid to Gazans”.

“He reiterated Australia’s long standing and strong support for a two state solution,” the readout said.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir “laid out the UK’s framework for taking forward recognition of Palestine as a driver for peace and the latest on the UK’s involvement in delivering aid”.

“The leaders agreed on the importance of using the international momentum to secure a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the acceleration of aid, as well as ensuring Hamas did not play a role in a future state,” according to the readout.