“We call on the Australian government to translate this recognition into concrete actions — by exerting diplomatic pressure to end the Israeli occupation.”
Al-Thawabta added that “while recognition has come late”, the move was “better late than never”.
Albanese on Monday confirmed that Australia would recognise a state of Palestine at the United Nations next month, following similar moves from France, the United Kingdom and Canada in an international push to revive momentum for a two-state solution.
Albanese told Channel Seven’s Sunrise earlier this week: “Hamas will be totally opposed to this decision. Hamas don’t support two states, they support one state.”
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim, said in a statement quoted by Sky News: “Any efforts from any party to help the Palestinian people to achieve their national goals of independent state and self sovereignty is very welcomed, but the core question is how to implement this and how to oblige Israel to abide international law.”
Calling for the government to go further than recognition, he said such steps needed “teeth” or the region would “continue to stay struggling in the same violent vicious circle”.
Speaking at a press conference in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Albanese said: “Hamas do not want a two-state solution.
“What they want is one state and I notice in the statement that’s made today, they say that the alleged statement from the person yesterday [came from] someone who’s been in prison in Israel since October 2023, and has no means of communication.
“What that should be is a warning to the media of being very careful about the fact that Hamas will engage in propaganda because what is happening is the international community are united about isolating Hamas, about supporting a peaceful way forward.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said: “When you have terrorists cheering on your foreign policy, you know that you have got it wrong… I am calling on the Prime Minister to reverse his position because we cannot have recognition of a Palestinian state ahead of a proper peace process and two-state solution process.”
Albanese said the Arab League, which represents 22 nations, had united to say in July that Hamas “must be isolated, it must be disarmed” and that the group should play no role in the governance of Gaza.
“People who look at Gaza can’t just continue to say ‘Well, we’ll just keep doing more of the same’,” Albanese said.
Hamas launched the October 7 attacks in Israel that killed an estimated 1200 people and triggered the war in Gaza.
Israel’s ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said in a statement: “Calling out Hamas propaganda is right. Doing it only when it suits politics is not.
“Hamas always lies: about casualty numbers, about hiding in hospitals and schools, and about who really puts Gazans at risk. Truth is not selective.”
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The statement provided by Yousef’s office said: “We welcome Australia’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine, and consider it an important step towards achieving justice for our people and securing their legitimate rights.
“This position reflects political courage and a commitment to the values of justice and the right of peoples to self-determination.
“We call on all countries, especially those that believe in freedom and human dignity, to follow Australia’s example.”
The comments echoed similar recent remarks from Hamas officials, including Ghazi Hamad, who is based in Qatar.
Hamad told Al Jazeera on August 2: “The initiative by several countries to recognise a Palestinian state is one of the fruits of October 7. We proved that victory over Israel is not impossible, and our weapons are a symbol of Palestinian dignity.”
Hamad also said: “Without our weapons, no one would be looking in our direction.”
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