Middle East stance unchanged after Trump Gaza call: PM

February 5, 2025 14:18 | News

Australia’s position on peace in the Middle East 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, who said the US would take possession of Gaza and redevelop it.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said while he would not be offering commentary on the suggestions from the US president, the federal government’s stance on a two-state solution in the Middle East had not shifted.

“Australia’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 Australian government support, on a bipartisan basis, a two-state solution in the Middle East.”

Mr Albanese said Australia had not received a request to help with the rebuilding of Gaza, following a ceasefire in the region.

The comments by Mr Trump for the US to take over 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 still backed a two-state solution.

“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.

“Australia, unfortunately has a very poor record in the past simply following the United States into conflict.

“The Australian government must make it clear that it opposes this recent announcement.”

AAP News

Australian Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national newswire and has been delivering accurate, reliable and fast news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We keep Australia informed.

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