**Albanese's statement comes as Gaza faces dire humanitarian conditions while international reactions vary widely.**
**Australia PM Critiques Netanyahu's Views on Gaza Crisis**
**Australia PM Critiques Netanyahu's Views on Gaza Crisis**
**In a bold move, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese challenges Israel's Netanyahu over the unfolding Gaza conflict and announces support for Palestinian statehood.**
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming he is "in denial" regarding the stringent humanitarian fallout from the ongoing war in Gaza. In a formal announcement, Albanese declared that Australia would acknowledge a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, aligning with moves from other nations like the UK, France, and Canada.
Frustration with Israel's government appears to have influenced this significant policy shift, as Australians express a strong desire for an end to the violence and loss of life. The Israeli government, meanwhile, has faced mounting pressure to cease military actions in Gaza. Netanyahu denounced the recognition of a Palestinian state as a gesture that would "reward terrorism," labeling the actions of Australia and its partners as "shameful."
The war's repercussions have been severe; reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate that five individuals, including a child, have succumbed to malnutrition within the last 24 hours, contributing to a grim total of 222 malnutrition-related deaths, among them 101 children. However, Israel contests these claims, alleging that UN agencies have been negligent at border crossings concerning the distribution of aid. The UN counters, stating they face numerous challenges retrieving aid from Israeli-controlled areas.
In a discussion aired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, Albanese recounted a recent conversation with Netanyahu. He expressed concern over the interruptions to aid and the subsequent loss of life near Food and water distribution hubs in Gaza, calling these circumstances "completely unacceptable." During their dialogue, Albanese noted Netanyahu's failure to recognize the dire consequences faced by innocent civilians caught in the conflict.
The decision to formally endorse a Palestinian state stems from assurances received from the Palestinian Authority that Hamas would have no involvement in any prospective governance structure. This announcement has evoked mixed reactions within Australia: the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has voiced feelings of "betrayal," while Palestinian activists argue the recognition is insufficient.
Sussan Ley, the leader of the opposition and from the right-leaning coalition, has labeled Albania's decision as “disrespectful” to the US, a primary ally. Concurrently, a notable pro-Palestinian march attracted around 90,000 participants, emphasizing the escalating local support for Palestinian rights just days following a court ruling permitting the demonstration.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering death toll exceeding 61,000 according to reports from Mexico, following Israel's extensive military actions initiated on October 7 in retaliation for a Hamas-led attack that resulted in the loss of around 1,200 Israeli lives and the kidnapping of 251 individuals.
