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Australia weighs recognising Palestinian statehood and targeted Israeli sanctions

Internal Labor pressure alongside international momentum for a two-state solution is pushing Australia to recognise Palestine, preparing sanctions on Israeli officials ahead of June’s UN meeting

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Australia's UN envoy's comments on recognising Palestinian statehood come as the federal government plans to send a representative to a statehood conference next month, and a former Labor frontbencher urges it to prepare targeted sanctions against Israel.

Overview

  • Australia’s UN ambassador James Larsen said recognition of Palestinian statehood can build momentum toward a two-state solution rather than await a final peace deal
  • Former cabinet minister Ed Husic and Labor grassroots groups are calling for a preparatory list of targeted sanctions against Israeli ministers and settlers linked to the Gaza blockade
  • Labor elder Gareth Evans urged Canberra to announce immediate recognition and sanctions at the UN conference to reignite stalled negotiations
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza as unacceptable and has raised the issue directly with Israeli leadership
  • Australia plans to join France and Saudi Arabia at the June 17–20 UN conference with a formal stance on Palestinian recognition and possible sanctions measures