Anthony Albanese likely won’t consult Donald Trump ahead of any decision to recognise Palestinian statehood

Anthony Albanese has indicated he will not consult Donald Trump ahead of deciding whether Australia will stand with western allies to recognise Palestinian statehood. The decision could occur as soon as September when the Prime Minister attends the United Nations General Assembly, with the United Kingdom, France and Canada publicly stating they could formally recognise Palestine there. Speaking from Melbourne, the Mr Albanese was asked whether he would “talk to Donald Trump before (making) the decision about Palestinian recognition”. In response, Mr Albanese said: “We’re a sovereign government, and Australia makes decisions on behalf of the Australian government”. It was the same answer he gave when asked whether he feared Australia recognising a Palestinian State, a view not held by the US, would “complicate an already complicated relationship” with the US President. As it stands, Mr Albanese has yet to confirm whether Australia will join UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in officially recognising Palestinian statehood, following growing international condemnation of Israel for blocking aid and food shipments to Gazan civilians. Mr Albanese’s comments rejecting a call with Mr Trump on Palestinian statehood also follows calls with Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron. Mr Albanese says Australia would only move to recognise Palestine in order to progress the two-state solution, which would require a ceasefire, the surrendering of Hamas and the release of Israeli hostages captured on October 7, 2023. First reported on Sunday, Mr Albanese is also currently seeking a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong saying it was “important for us to put our view very clearly at the most senior levels of the government”. Mr Albanese spoke to Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas overnight on Tuesday, where they discussed Australia’s desires for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. “Prime Minister Albanese also reinforced Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution because a just and lasting peace depends upon it,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s office. “The leaders discussed deepening co-operation across a range of areas, and agreed to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.”