‘s position on how to bring about peace between Israel and Palestine has not changed, the prime minister says, despite Donald Trump’s calls for the United States to take over and own Gaza.
Mr Trump made the comments at the White House during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the US would take possession of Gaza and redevelop it.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said while he would not comment on that proposal, his government’s stance on a two-state solution had not shifted.
”s position is the same as it was this morning, as it was last year, as it was 10 years ago, as it was under the Howard government,’ he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.
‘The n government support, on a bipartisan basis, a two-state solution in the Middle East.’
Mr Albanese said had not received any request to help with the rebuilding of Gaza after Israel’s military operation there left much of the area as rubble.
The comments by Mr Trump for the US to take responsibility for Gaza came after his administration withdrew its funding from the UN’s aid agency for Palestinian refugees, also known as UNRWA.
Opposition Assistant Spokesman for Foreign Affairs Julian Leeser said the Coalition also still backed a two-state solution that would see Israel and Palestine exist as neighbouring independent nations.
‘We note that the president’s put this policy forward, but it’s not a policy we’ve put forward,’ he told Sky News on Wednesday.
‘We want to see a two-state solution in the Middle East, but we want to see one where it’s a negotiated two-state solution.’
Greens leader Adam Bandt condemned the moves by the US, saying the decision would be the end of international law.
‘This is Donald Trump talking about the takeover of another country, potentially by force,’ he told reporters in Canberra.
‘, unfortunately has a very poor record in the past simply following the United States into conflict.
‘The n government must make it clear that it opposes this recent announcement.’