Alex Hawke says Labor abandons two-state solution
Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs says his thoughts are with Israel’s supporters.
Alex Hawke
Minister Alex Hawke said: “It was deeply disturbing to many in our community to hear that the Australian Labor Party has abandoned its longstanding support for a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state co-exist in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders.
Today my thoughts are with supporters of Israel and the Australian Jewish community, which has now been abandoned by the Labor Party on this critical point.
Fortunately, Australia’s position remains that Palestinian aspirations for statehood can only be realised through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, in accordance with long-standing and internationally endorsed agreements.
But Labor’s message is now clear. If elected, they will change Australia’s long-held position.
This ideologically motivated declaration by the Labor foreign affairs spokesperson reduces the incentive for the Palestinian Leadership to re-engage in peace talks with Israel and is counterproductive for Middle East peace generally.
ALP members were not even permitted to speak against the proposal which was endorsed at their national conference this week. Given that democracy relies on free and open debate, and with debate forbidden on such an important matter, supporters of Israel and the Australian Jewish community have every right to feel utterly betrayed.”
