The letter, signed by 25 members of the House and the Senate, said the “reckless policy \u2026 would empower Hamas, endanger Israel\u2019s security, and eliminate a path to a negotiated peace”.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Proceeding with recognition will put your country at odds with long-standing U.S. policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response,” they wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“International leaders will convene at the UN General Assembly in New York, and we will be watching if close allies like France and Canada and the UK move ahead with plans to recognise a Palestinian state.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Anthony Albanese is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly.\u00a0 (AP: Yuki Iwamura)<\/p>\n
Republicans warn Western allies<\/p>\n
The letter \u2014 addressed to Mr Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer \u2014 had 25 Republican signatures and President Donald Trump cc’d in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It warned the recognition would increase antisemitism in Australia and promote violence.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Hamas’s war crimes are clear, and its rejection of diplomacy should lead your countries to impose more pressure. Instead, you offer greater rewards,” they wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It is baffling and deeply troubling to reward Hamas with statehood before they have returned every hostage.<\/p>\n
“President Trump and Republicans in Congress have been clear that rewarding the carnage that took place\u00a0on October 7\u00a0is a non-starter.\u201d<\/p>\n
What will recognition of Palestinian statehood actually change?<\/a><\/p>\n Momentum is building internationally for the recognition of a Palestinian state, with five new countries declaring they are ready to take the step.<\/p>\n Senator Ted Cruz and House representative Elise Stefanik \u2014 who was pitched to be US ambassador to the United Nations before Mr Trump pulled her nomination \u2014 were among the signatures.\u00a0<\/p>\n Albanese to attend reception hosted by Trump<\/p>\n Mr Albanese arrived in New York on Sunday and is expected to attend the UN assembly, where he will formally recognise Palestinian statehood.\u00a0<\/p>\n He will also attend a reception hosted by Mr Trump on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n The visit could lead to the first face-to-face meeting between Mr Albanese and Mr Trump, \u00a0where the AUKUS defence partnership and China are likely to dominate talks.<\/p>\n Energy minister Chris Bowen, who is with the PM in New York for the UN summit, said Australia’s position was “based on our interests and our values”.<\/p>\n “While everyone is entitled to their views, we will determine Australian foreign policy, not anyone else \u2026 We now see recognising Palestine as a step towards a two-state solution.”<\/p>\n