Although Wong did not indicate any plans for Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood, she expressed her views in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) amidst a protest in Sydney where hundreds of thousands gathered against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
org/explorer-details?hash=Toct0A5O”>Organisers claimed between 200,000 and 300,000 participated, vastly more than the initial police estimate of 90,000 people.
The Australian government shares the protesters’ desire for peace and a ceasefire, with Wong emphasizing the broad dismay among Australians regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Though probed about further actions like sanctions against Israel, Wong said, “We don’t speculate on sanctions for the obvious reason that they have more effect if they are not flagged,” referencing pre-existing sanctions on far-right Israeli officials and settlers imposed in June.
Wong stated that recognizing Palestinian statehood is a matter of “when, not if,” but Australia has not followed suit with countries like France and Canada in announcing their recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to converse with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reiterate his support for a two-state solution.
Rawan Arraf, from the Australian Centre for International Justice, insists that Albanese should press Netanyahu on the arms trade between Australia and Israel and push for new sanctions and accountability through the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Despite the verbal support for a two-state solution, Australia has not yet acknowledged Palestinian statehood like many other countries have.
Albanese also acknowledged the impact of the conflict on Australians, noting the protest as a reflection of their desire to speak out against the deprivation faced in Gaza.
The protest in Sydney, initially opposed by the New South Wales state government, was permitted after a court ruling recognized the urgency of the issue.
Various state and federal Labor ministers participated in the march, indicating a growing factional disagreement within Albanese’s party.
Independent Journalist Antony Loewenstein highlighted the frustration with the Australian government’s inaction and its complicity through its role in the global supply chain for military assets used in Gaza.
