Israel-Palestine: The Australian government, on Tuesday, October 18, issued an official statement, stating that the nation no longer recognizes West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that “the government has reaffirmed Australia’s previous and long-standing position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that must be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people.”
Since 1951, Australia has fought for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people and has been a strong friend of Palestine.
He further added: “Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state can coexist in peace and security. We will not support an approach that undermines its impact. “The Australian embassy has always been and remains in Tel Aviv.”
In 2017, former US President Donald Trump made the decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, stating that he was “determined that it was time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”
This move was unexpected and to show his support for his vital and long-standing ally, the United States, then Australian Prime Minister Morrison formally affirmed Australia’s position by recognizing Jerusalem as “the eternal capital of Israel” in December 2018. .
However, the Australian embassy remained in Tel Aviv rather than Jerusalem.
Now, the current president of the United States, Joe Biden, has not withdrawn the American embassy from Jerusalem, nor does he interfere in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as he did before.
Israel is not happy with Australia’s statement. On Tuesday, October 18, Israel’s official Twitter account tweeted a passive-aggressive tweet on the social media platform, affirming his position on the dispute that Jerusalem is its “eternal” capital.
Happy Tuesday from our eternal capital #Jerusalem 💙🇮🇱
📸Photography by Naftali pic.twitter.com/CNbBR4EOjk
— Israel ישראל (@Israel)
October 18, 2022
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has criticized the decision, saying it is a “hasty measure” and that he hopes the Australian government will be more serious and professional in handling other critical issues.
Israel has summoned the Australian envoy for clarification and further talks on the matter, which has been a source of controversy for several years.
Read | Explanation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Contrary to Israel’s reaction, the Palestinians rejoice and welcome Australia’s move with open arms. Hussein al-Sheikh, the Palestinian Authority’s civil affairs minister, praised Australia’s move as an “affirmation” that negotiations and acceptance by foreign governments for a final status for Jerusalem are necessary.
Internationally, Israel’s jurisdiction over Jerusalem has never been established, and the 1993 Israel-Palestine peace accords stipulate that the final status of Jerusalem will be discussed during the final phases of peace negotiations.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn