IN a few days, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Jordan, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the United Arab Emirates as war between Israel and Hamas enters its fourth month.
Albanese said he would use Australia’s voice to advocate for peace and the end of the conflict in Gaza, to increase international humanitarian assistance, uphold international law, greater protection for civilians, and prevent regional escalation.
He will use the visit to Amman as an opportunity to revive the political process of discussing a future Palestinian state.
Albanese will relay Australia’s support for Israel’s security and its right to defend itself.
The Australian leader reiterated Australia’s call to release the hostages and will schedule a meeting with their families while in Israel.
Ahead of his scheduled visit, Albanese urged Iran to stop meddling and said it is playing a destructive role in the region.
The war in Gaza has divided public opinion in Australia. Although the government does not recognize a Palestinian state, it supports the idea of a two-state solution, wherein Israel and a future Palestinian state co-exist peacefully within internationally recognized borders.
