Part 2/7:
Australian officials justify their recognition of Palestine as a deliberate step toward peace, emphasizing that building momentum on diplomatic fronts is crucial for achieving stability. The Prime Minister remarked that "build is the best way to build momentum towards peace," underscoring the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.
However, the move has been met with stern opposition from Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the Israeli government of being in denial about the "humanitarian consequences of the war in Gaza." He criticized the Israeli response, stating that despite efforts, the conflict has resulted in the loss of "tens of thousands of innocent lives," drawing attention to the devastating toll of ongoing military operations.