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Former Aust'n Prime Minister calls for gov't to recognise Palestine

Xinhua, February 14, 2017 Adjust font size:

Former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, called on the Australian Government to officially recognise Palestine on Monday, ahead of a visit by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Hawke penned a harsh rebuke to Israel in the Australian Financial Review, despite being well known for his support of their sovereignty, and says the Israeli government's decision to construct 2,500 new settlements on the West Bank in January displayed "contempt" for the United Nations.

"Australia was there at the very beginning. The least we can do now, in these most challenging of times, is to do what 137 other nations have already done, grant diplomatic recognition to the State of Palestine," Hawke said.

The opinions held by Hawke have also found support from within the Australian Jewish community, with the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) releasing a statement on Tuesday from their national chairman, Mark Liebler, and executive director Colin Rubenstein, that echoed the sentiments of the former Australian leader, but tempered restraint in terms of Palestine.

"While just about everyone agrees that Israel's Supreme Court will likely strike down this law, AIJAC believes that it remains a counter-productive and unwise piece of legislation, aimed at pandering to fringe constituencies at the expense of Israel's integrity and image abroad," AIJAC said.

In late January, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was concerned about Israel's new settlements in the West Bank, but refused to condemn them, despite pressure from Palestinian groups in Australia.

In a letter to the Australian Government, from the Palestinian Ambassador to Australia Izzat Abdulhadi, Palestine called on Australia to take stronger action against what they feel was an "illegal" operation by Israel.

"I kindly urge the Australian government to apply pressure on Israel to halt its illegal settlement activities and abide by international law," Abdulhadi wrote.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in Australia next week, via the United States. Endit