Less than a year ago, the Australian government recognised a Palestinian state. It justified that decision by reference to specific commitments from the Palestinian Authority: democratic elections, reform of governance and education, an end to payments to the families of prisoners and martyrs, demilitarisation, recognition of Israel’s right to exist and no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state.
The Zionist Federation of Australia opposed recognition. We believed the sequencing was wrong. Diplomatic recognition was granted while Hamas was in control of Gaza, hostages remained in captivity and before the political, institutional and cultural foundations necessary to sustain a peaceful state had been established.
Loading…