Liberal senator Jane Hume said she can “understand” the disappointment of Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu, after he branded Australia’s push for Palestinian statehood “shameful” following a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday.
In a wide-ranging press conference staged, Netanyahu denied Israel had a “starvation policy” and hit out at foreign powers for backing the “absurdity” of recognising Palestine in the pursuit of peace.
Liberal senator Jane Hume.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“I could understand Israel’s disappointment in the response of the Australian government, a reliable ally for so many years,” Hume told Sky News.
“If Hamas would agree to return those hostages to allow safe passage of aid into Gaza and to demilitarise, well then the peace process can begin. But until that happens, the two states solution is impossible because everyone will continue to be under threat.”
The Albanese government continues to mull the timing of recognising Palestine, after France, the United Kingdom and Canada announced plans to grant recognition at the United Nations in New York next month.
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