Australia’s Recognition of Palestinian Statehood Rewards Hamas
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (Australian Branch) is deeply disappointed by the Australian Government’s announcement that it will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations next month. This marks a sharp and concerning departure from the longstanding bipartisan consensus that the Israel-Palestinian conflict is best resolved through direct negotiations.
Rather than promoting peace, this decision will further exacerbate the conflict, harden Hamas’ demands at the negotiating table and send a dangerous message: that terrorism – including the atrocities of October 7 – pays off.
It also undermines existing international law, including the Oslo Accords and successive UN Security Council resolutions, which established that the conflict must be resolved through a negotiated settlement that reflects the interests of both parties, including Israel’s legitimate security concerns. Until now, Australia has consistently upheld this principle.
Moreover, the decision disregards that the Palestinian leadership remains notoriously fractured, corrupt and complicit in terrorism – a problem not confined to Hamas. The Palestinian Authority has for years promoted antisemitic narratives through its media and education systems – propaganda that echoes the darkest chapters in history. Until this culture is dismantled and reformed, recognition of Palestinian statehood will only further entrench extremism.
A viable Palestinian state is also not possible without the complete removal of Hamas and other jihadist groups. Given the deep divisions within Palestinian leadership, imposing a two-state solution at this time would likely be exploited by such groups, as occurred following Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005.
In a post-Holocaust world, it is unconscionable to expect Israel to live side-by-side with entities committed to its destruction. This campaign for recognition of a Palestinian state is both a product of antisemitism and a driver of it.
As such, we echo the preconditions outlined by Jewish-Australian community leaders in recent days: any path to a Palestinian state must include recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, an end to the funding of terrorism, and the cessation of antisemitic indoctrination. This should be demonstrated by actions, not mere words. We also add that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved with Israel’s consent.
To truly establish a lasting and just peace, Australia should instead focus on encouraging Palestinian reform, supporting the defeat of Hamas, and standing firmly with our democratic ally, Israel. Anything less sends the message that terrorism and antisemitism yield results. We call on the Australian Government to reverse its decision, return to the longstanding bipartisan approach, and uphold its commitment to peace, democracy and international law.
The July/August Word From Jerusalem is now available and features a range of incredible insights and letters straight from the desks of ICEJ officials. This edition takes a look into the 12 Day War with Iran and what is now the focus for rebuilding the areas and lives across Israel that have been impacted by Iran’s strikes.
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Blessings,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
