Recognition of Palestinian state will not end the suffering

12 August 2025

The decision by the Albanese Labor Government to abandon the longstanding bipartisan policy on a two state solution to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state, without any of the necessary prerequisites in place, will neither address the urgent priority to deliver much needed aid to Gaza nor deliver a viable two state solution that affords peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis and competent governance for the citizens of a Palestinian state.

It will prove a hollow gesture, like for all those who have taken this step before it. None should take any comfort in it. Meanwhile the suffering will regrettably continue in Gaza and the hostages will remain in captivity and be tossed into the graves their captors have forced them to dig. The only winner is Hamas.

In Government the Coalition listed Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Our Labor successors have regrettably rewarded them through this action. I know this is not their intention, but it is the result. The caravan of appeasement is not one we should join.

Rewarding terrorists will not eradicate their presence but embolden it, and their uncompromising and violent presence will continue to be the primary obstacle to peace and security in the middle east and any prospect of a genuine two state solution.

To the Australian Jewish community, I can only imagine the sense of betrayal you must feel. I remember October 7. Am Yisrael Chai.