Senator Wong advanced the prospect, signalling a hardening of Australia’s stance on the conflict in the region whereIsrael’s war against Hamas militants in Gaza has left up to a million people facing starvation.
In a speech at the Australian National University, the minister said a secure and prosperous future for both Israel and Palestinians could come only with a two-state solution.
“Recognising a Palestinian state — one that can only exist side by side with a secure Israel — doesn’t just offer the Palestinian people an opportunity to realise their aspirations,” she told a National Security College conference.
“It also strengthens the forces for peace and undermines extremism.
“It undermines Hamas, Iran and Iran’s other destructive proxies in the region.
“This is why we are urging all parties to return to the table, and why we are engaging to support all efforts to advance a political process, including discussions between regional leaders.”
Her comments come after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated federal Labor’s support for a two-state solution.
While Senator Wong said no decision had been made about officially recognising Palestine, it was important to look at international discussion about how to secure peace in the Middle East.
Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong argues efforts to recognise Palestinian statehood would have benefits for Israel. Photo / AP
“Obviously, we have the immediate conflict, we need to see Hamas release hostages, we need to see a revitalised Palestinian Authority, we need to see an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” she told ABC Radio on Wednesday.
“Ultimately, peace and security for Israel will only be achieved if we have a Palestinian state alongside the Israeli state.”
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said calls to recognise Palestine “put statehood before security”.
Most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people are homeless and many are at risk of famine. Photo / AP
“The reality, however, is that a two-state solution will only be possible with security, and confidence that the right of each party to exist will be respected by the other,” Senator Birmingham said in a statement.
“Hamas’s attacks of 7 October, deliberately slaughtering more Jews than on any single day since the Holocaust, shattered any sense of security.
“It is downright dangerous to reward such barbaric conduct with a fast track to recognition of statehood.”
Executive Council of Australia Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin called Senator Wong’s comments disappointing.
“They are no doubt well intentioned and the Foreign Minister wants an end to the conflict as we all do, but when Israel is in the fight of its life against Hamas ... to lecture an ally seems callous and inappropriate,” he told ABC TV.
But Senator Wong said efforts to recognise Palestinian statehood would have benefits for Israel.
“I don’t see, ultimately, any security for Israel without the issue of Palestinian statehood being resolved,” she said.
“There is no peace in the long term unless this issue is resolved.”
The conflict in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’ cross-border attack in southern Israel on October 7 that left 1200 people dead and more than 250 people taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.
More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in six months of conflict, Gaza’s Health Ministry says.
Most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people are homeless and many are at risk of famine.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said Australia wanted to see an end to a conflict that had continued far too long.
“The concept of Palestinian statehood is something that’s been widely talked about in discussion amongst national security professionals all over the world,” she told Seven’s Sunrise.
Opposition spokeswoman Jane Hume said Senator Wong’s remarks were a “significant shift” away from Australia’s bipartisan position on Israel and the Palestinian territories.
