Albanese cited growing frustration with the policies of the Israeli government as a factor, and said Aussies are sick and tired of violence between Israel and Palestinians. He also assured that the recognition resulted from assurances by the Palestinian Authority that Hamas would not be included in a future, independent Palestinian state.
Rising Humanitarian Concerns
Israel, increasingly isolated in its view with growing international pressure to end the conflict, has dismissed it as a "reward for terrorism." This is plain and simple… Netanyahu called the decision by Australia and other countries "shameful" That would be particularly risky for Olmert's government in the face of growing criticism at home spurred by reports of starvation in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry said 222 people have died from malnutrition since the war began — including 101 children.
Israel dismisses reports of starvation, accusing UN agencies of not collecting and distributing aid from border crossings. The UN refuses to do so, and notes that Israel is hindering or delaying most of the applications. Albanese told Netanyahu of Australia's decision in a call last Thursday and subsequently said it was "completely unacceptable" for lives to be lost around aid distribution points.
Political and Public Reaction
It has elicited a polarised response in Australia. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry said the bill was a "betrayal," while some Palestinian activists complained it did not go far enough. Opposition leader Susannah Ley called the decision disrespectful to key ally, the US.
Those gatherings came after a last-minute court reversal allowed pro-Palestinian demonstrators to rally earlier this month, when more than 90,000 people marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Israel: Other countries would respond similarly if attacked on their land, Netanyahu has said
More than 61,000 have died in Gaza since Israel's military assault began following a Hamas-led attack on 7 October that killed about 1,200 people and as many as 251 abducted by the Islamic militants, according to health ministry figures published by the militant group.
