Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reveals details of phone conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese states that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is denying the suffering in Gaza, and the international community is saying, “Enough is enough”.
Following the announcement that Australia will recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN next month, Albanese acknowledged that frustration with the Israeli government, due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, influenced Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
“[Netanyahu] again reiterated to me what he has said publicly, which is to deny the consequences for innocent people,” Albanese stated in an interview with state broadcaster ABC.
He added that Netanyahu continues to argue that increased military action in Gaza will resolve the issue, despite the conflict already resulting in more than 61,500 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.
Announcing Australia’s decision, Albanese said, “The risk of trying is nothing compared to the danger of letting this moment pass us by.”
Stressing the urgency of finding a solution, he said, “The toll of the status quo is growing by the day, and it could be measured in innocent lives.”
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Albanese emphasized that a two-state solution is critical to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to ensure peace in Gaza.
He acknowledged, “We need a political solution, not a military one.”
The public mood in Australia has shifted against Israel’s war in Gaza, with significant demonstrations and calls for aid deliveries.
Experts note that the decision to recognize Palestinian statehood is driven by the recent shift in popular sentiment in Australia, with a majority now wanting a swift end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
