Albanese said the decision was based on assurances from the Palestinian Authority, including commitments that Hamas would have no role in a future Palestinian government, that Gaza would be demilitarized, and that elections would be held. “A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza,” he told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.
He described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” accusing Israel of ignoring international law and restricting aid. “The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears,” Albanese said, adding that civilians, including children, are being denied adequate food, water, and medical assistance.
Nearly 150 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestinian statehood, with many having done so for decades. The number of Western countries taking that step has grown since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. France, Britain, and Canada have all signaled they would extend recognition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently outlined plans for a new large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn condemnation from some Western leaders. Netanyahu criticized the countries after they issued a joint statement denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza, opposing settlement expansion in the West Bank, and warning of possible sanctions if humanitarian restrictions are not lifted.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Israel of blocking humanitarian aid and raised concerns about potential breaches of international humanitarian law. Hamas called the joint statement “a significant step in the right direction.”
Netanyahu responded by urging world leaders to pressure Hamas to release hostages. “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities,” he said.
