Israel’s ambassador to Australia accused Canberra of rewarding terrorism after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country would formally recognize a Palestinian state in September.
Australia is the latest major country to announce the move to recognize the State of Palestine, following the U.K., France, and Canada, amid escalating concern about the dire situation in Gaza as Israel wages war against the Hamas militant group.
Albanese said that a “two-state solution was the basis of peace and security for the peoples of the region,” though Australian recognition comes with certain conditions, including demilitarization of Gaza and democratic elections.
“Peace is built by ending terror, not rewarding it,” Amir Maimon, Israeli ambassador to Australia, said in a statement on Monday.
“By recognising a Palestinian state while Hamas continues to kill, kidnap, and reject peace, Australia undermines Israel’s security, derails hostage negotiations, and hands a victory to those who oppose coexistence.”
Maimon continued: “Let us be clear: this decision will not change the reality on the ground. Peace is not achieved through declarations; it is achieved when those who have chosen terror abandon it and when violence and incitement end.
“Rewarding those who use terror as a political tool sends the dangerous message that violence brings political gains.
“By recognizing a Palestinian state now, Australia elevates the position of Hamas, a group it acknowledges as a terrorist organisation, while weakening the cause of those working to end violence and achieve genuine, lasting peace.”
This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
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