Part 6/13:
Following this, Prime Minister Albanese issued a formal statement, expressing frustration over the scenes emerging from Gaza. His government had previously discussed the situation with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and aligned with most countries in opposition to recognizing a Palestinian state at this time, despite previous speculation. The decision to delay the stance was strategic, with Albanese preferring to release the statement on a non-sitting day (Friday) to manage diplomatic sensitivities.