Labor MP Ed Husic is advocating for Australia to join the UK in preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood, citing a growing “moral momentum” that he believes necessitates a reevaluation of the Australian government’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to hold further talks with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, in the coming days. However, Albanese has not committed to Starmer’s promise to recognize the state of Palestine in September, contingent on Israel’s adherence to a ceasefire and commitment to a two-state solution.
Husic, who has been increasingly vocal within the Labor caucus, argues that recognizing statehood would weaken Hamas’s hold over Gaza and expedite the peace process and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
While the government has aligned with other countries in describing recognition of Palestine as a key step towards a two-state solution, it has not yet committed to formal recognition. Penny Wong, the foreign affairs minister, has joined international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated Australia’s support for a two-state solution.
James Paterson, an opposition frontbencher, has stopped short of blaming Israel for the starvation of the population in Gaza, stating that while “real suffering” is evident, he cannot independently assess the situation. Sussan Ley, the opposition leader, has also avoided criticizing Israel, describing the situation as “complex.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/30/ed-husic-australia-palestinian-state-recognition-uk
