PM Albanese Affirms Australia Continues To Support Two-State Solutions

JAKARTA - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday confirmed Australia will continue to be a "strong supporter" of two-state solutions in the Middle East in global forums.

"We will continue to voice our aspirations in international forums and continue to be strong supporters of long-term solutions, namely, of course, the State of Israel and the State of Palestine coexist peacefully and safely," PM Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. August 25.

His remarks came a day after tens of thousands of Australians took to the streets across the country to support Palestine, calling for an end to Australia's arms trade with Israel and hunger in Gaza.

"Australia, of course, is not a big force in the Middle East. And despite some of the rhetoric circulating, Australia, for example, does not provide weapons to Israel. We have consistently advocated, either directly to the Israeli government, or through our voices in international forums so that aid is allowed to enter Gaza," explained PM Albanese.

"We consistently advocate a ceasefire and the release of the hostages and the dismantling of Hamas weapons," he said.

Earlier this month, PM Albanese announced Australia would join Canada, France, and Britain in officially acknowledging Palestinian statehood at the 80th hearing of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

He said his country had conveyed Palestinian recognition to the governments of neighboring Pacific countries, including New Zealand, through "plomatic means."

"Australia will make decisions without thinking about anything other than our national interests and doing the right thing," he said.