Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has given a very serious warning that the world is quickly approaching a place where there might be no Palestine left to recognise. While on her trip to the Middle East, Wong said that she is deeply worried about the present violence and the terrible situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Wong also said that even though Australia would do everything within its power to see the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution, the escalation of the conflict is making that goal less achievable. “The world is coming close to a scenario where a viable Palestinian state is no longer feasible,” she was quoted as saying.
Her statement is made amid international calls for an end to the Israeli offensive that is causing large-scale deaths and injuries to civilians, in addition to massive destruction, in Gaza. Besides pushing for an immediate ceasefire, several human rights organisations and governments are condemning the use of force, which they consider disproportionate, in the highly populated areas.
Wong’s statement is a reflection of Australia’s standpoint, which has been noticeably more cautious in recent times compared to the history of close ties between Australia and Israel. She did say that the Australian Government stands firmly behind the need for Israel to have its security, but at the same time, she argued that positive peace could only come from a solution that addresses the rights and hopes of the Palestinian people.
“The world cannot stand aside when the people are trapped in despair and hopelessness,” she said, and added that Australia calls on every one of the parties to go back to the negotiating table. She acknowledged that the recognition of a Palestinian state is not just a gesture but a move towards a larger peace that guarantees the respect and justice of both nations.
On her way to the Middle East, Wong also paid a visit to Jordan, where she had a face-to-face meeting with the locals and the members of various humanitarian organizations. She was very appreciative of the effort made by Jordan to provide shelter for the Palestinian refugees and deliver the much-needed aid. The conversation took place in the context of regional stability and underscored the urgency of international cooperation to avert further escalation.
This comes after heightened calls locally and globally for the Australian government to take strong action over the crisis. There have been protests in various big cities across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The protesters vocally demand that the government do the utmost to invoke a ceasefire and relieve the suffering of the affected people.
The remarks made by the foreign minister only add to the mounting international chorus that warns the concept of the two-state solution could become a thing of the past if immediate steps toward a peaceful resolution are not taken. Her departure was marked by their dignified governor’s amiable appeal to take quick action: “It is not only peace that may be slipping away, but the possibility of the world having nothing left to negotiate over is what is at stake.”
