The Australian government has expressed support for a comprehensive peace initiative for Gaza put forward by the United States administration, describing the proposal as offering a potential pathway toward regional stability.
In remarks delivered from Abu Dhabi, the Australian leader emphasized the importance of all parties seriously engaging with the proposal to bring its vision to fruition. He noted the plan’s focus on Palestinian self-determination and welcomed the exclusion of Hamas from future governance arrangements in Gaza.
The peace framework, unveiled earlier this week, calls for Gaza to be administered by a transitional committee during an interim period. The proposal has drawn backing from several nations with significant Muslim populations, according to Australian officials.
Australia’s deputy leader characterized the initiative as representing hope for ending hostilities, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, and securing the release of hostages. He reiterated Australia’s longstanding position that a two-state solution remains essential for lasting peace in the region, noting the current proposal maintains this possibility.
The opposition Liberal party similarly described the plan as offering hope, acknowledging that while previous initiatives have faltered, this represents the most detailed proposal in recent months. A Liberal senator with diplomatic experience in the region noted the challenge would be securing Hamas’s agreement to terms that would effectively end its governance role.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from some quarters, including the Greens party, which argued that Palestinians should have the right to determine their own future without external imposition. Critics have questioned the involvement of certain international figures in the proposed transitional administration.
The Australian government has urged Hamas to accept the terms, while simultaneously making clear its opposition to any annexation of Palestinian territories. The proposal comes as Australia recently affirmed its position on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations, a move the opposition has pledged to reverse if returned to government.
