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February 6, 2025
No answers on US plans Anthony Albanese said Australia's support for a two-state solution "remains the same" despite President Donald Trump declaring Palestinians displaced from Gaza should be resettled elsewhere and the US "take over" the territory.
The Prime Minister sought to sidestep the fraught diplomatic situation that developed on Wednesday by arguing he had no intention of giving a "running commentary" on Mr Trump's statements, refusing to accept the President's view on Gaza's future warranted a direct response.
Asked what he would do if Australia received a request from the US to support Mr Trump's potential actions in Gaza, such as through the commitment of troops to the region or assistance with rebuilding the territory, Mr Albanese said no requests had been made.
"We've supported a ceasefire, we've supported hostages being released, and we've supported aid getting into Gaza," he said. "We have done so, that is consistent with what Australian governments have always done."
Mr Albanese did not engage with suggestions Mr Trump's Gaza proposals would dramatically reshape the region.
"I've said that ... we will be consistent, as we are, but I've also said that I'm not going to, as Australia's Prime Minister, give a daily commentary on statements by the US President," he said. "My job is to support Australia's position."
Mr Albanese said his government would take "considered positions" when matters of international affairs were raised, and do so in a manner that was "consistent with Australia's values".
Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said the Opposition believed a two state solution was the "most durable and sustainable.
But it's also very clear that the status quo isn't working for either Palestinians or Israelis, and we need to understand more about the president's proposal before we could respond to it substantially".
Meanwhile, Greens leader Adam Bandt said Mr Trump's declarations were "proof" his presidency was "a threat to peace and democracy".
"The Australian government must make clear that it opposes a clear violation of international law," he said.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said the organisation favoured the "comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza as a peaceful, prosperous territory".
"The question of whether some Gazans choose to remain in the territory through this process, temporarily relocate or are permanently absorbed by neighbouring states is ultimately a decision for those affected, most of all, Gaza's civilian population," he said.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Justin Bassi said the "best" and "only" viable solution resulting in stability and security for Israelis and Palestinians was for the US to play a leading role. "He has made it clear he sees an ongoing leadership role in rebuilding Gaza and ensuring the Middle East is stable," he said.
