More than 100 parliamentarians from nine parties urge their governments to recognize Palestine diplomatically.
Parliamentarians from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have penned an open letter to their respective Prime Ministers calling for recognition of Palestine. The move comes as these countries continue to make joint statements on Gaza without officially recognizing the state. Over 146 nations worldwide have already recognized Palestine, following in the footsteps of Ireland, Norway, Spain, Slovenia, and Armenia.
The parliamentarians argue that it is time for their governments to join this group, citing the recent advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian Territories as illegal. They also highlight the ongoing violence and devastation in Gaza, which they believe necessitates diplomatic recognition.
Organizers hope that a joint announcement from the three countries will signal the urgent need for a negotiated peace, including the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. The recognition is seen as crucial for bringing stability and peace to the region through self-determination for the Palestinian people.
The open letter emphasizes that recognizing Palestine will benefit both Palestinians and Israelis by restarting rights-based peace talks and reinforcing moderate voices on both sides. It also references the International Court of Justice's ruling that all states are under an obligation to ensure the Palestinian people can exercise their right to self-determination.
Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese, Justin Trudeau, and Christopher Luxon have been urged to take a united stance in recognizing Palestine diplomatically, as part of a two-state solution.