Australian PM accuses Netanyahu of “denial” following decision to recognize State of Palestine

SYDNEY, Aug. 12 (YPA) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday of “living in denial” regarding the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

This statement came after Australia announced its intention to officially recognize the State of Palestine for the first time in its history.

In an interview with the state-run ABC channel, Albanese explained that the Israeli government’s reluctance to heed the warnings of its allies was one of the reasons that prompted Canberra to make the decision to recognize Palestine. He noted that Netanyahu repeatedly denied the effects of the blockade and military operations on detainees and civilians in Gaza.

This Australian position reflects a shift in foreign policy and follows similar steps by countries such as France, Britain, and Canada amid increasing international pressure on the occupation to halt its military operations. Albanese linked his country’s recognition to the need to obtain guarantees from the Palestinian Authority that Hamas would not exist in any future Palestinian state.

In contrast, right-wing opposition leader Susan Lee criticized the decision, arguing that it contradicts the consensus policy between Australia’s two main parties and warning of its potential impact on Canberra’s relationship with Washington.

YPA