Canberra: Australia is asserting its independence in foreign policy decisions, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed questions about potential US reactions if Australia were to recognize a Palestinian state. "We are a sovereign nation. Australia makes our decisions as a sovereign nation," Albanese stated during a press briefing in Canberra.
According to Anadolu Agency, Albanese's comments came in the wake of a large pro-Palestine demonstration in Sydney, where thousands gathered to express their concerns over the situation in Gaza. The Prime Minister described the march as peaceful and an opportunity for public expression. He hinted at a potential shift in Australia's stance on Palestine, indicating that recognition could be a matter of timing and strategy.
Currently, Australia does not formally recognize Palestine. However, allies such as France, Canada, and the UK have recently expressed intentions to grant diplomatic recognition to an independent Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. The decisions by these countries have reportedly led to negative responses from the US.
Reports also indicate that Prime Minister Albanese is contemplating a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amidst allegations against Israel of violating international law and causing civilian casualties in Gaza. This potential dialogue is partly driven by the recent "March for Humanity," which called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and increased pressure within the Australian Labour Party to recognize Palestine. The demonstration, which police estimated at 90,000 participants, was claimed by organizers to have attracted 300,000 attendees, including Julian Assange.
Human rights advocates have raised concerns about Netanyahu's pending arrest warrant. Rawan Arraf, a lawyer and director at the Australian Centre for International Justice, emphasized that Albanese should discuss Netanyahu's accountability for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for war crimes last November, with Arraf highlighting the continued impact of Israeli actions in Gaza, resulting in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction.