Israel Gaza: Australia hints it could recognise Palestinian state - BBC News

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the global community is frustrated by a lack of progress on peace.

2 days agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Penny Wong's comments follow similar remarks by UK Foreign Secretary David CameronBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyAustralia's foreign minister has suggested the country could recognise Palestinian statehood, to increase momentum towards peace.

However, Hamas could have no role in its governance, Penny Wong said.

Both Australia's opposition and the Zionist Federation of Australia say such a move would be premature.

Canberra has long said that recognition of a Palestinian nation could only come as part of a two-state solution brokered with Israel.

But Ms Wong's comments echo a speech by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron earlier this year, in which he hinted the UK too could recognise Palestinian statehood without the support of Israel.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-68758678

---