Australia's Recognition of Palestine Emboldens Hamas, Not Strengthens Moderate Voices

Strategic Insights -

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, recognized Palestine just last month, citing his aim to support moderate voices for peace in the region. However, the recent brutal executions of Palestinians by Hamas in the streets of Gaza have exposed the flaw in Albanese's strategy. The Prime Minister's decision has inadvertently emboldened Hamas, which has taken control of Gaza and is now carrying out executions in public, rather than undermining extremism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas has executed over 30 Palestinians, mostly from rival clans, since last week's ceasefire with Israel, with some backed by Israel.
  • The executions are a clear indication that Albanese's recognition of Palestine has not strengthened moderate voices, but instead emboldened Hamas.
  • The US President, Donald Trump, has warned Hamas that if it doesn't disarm, the US will make it do so "perhaps violently", but so far, no country has volunteered soldiers to force Hamas to give up its guns.
  • Hamas has released video footage of its terrorists shooting dead seven men, bound and blindfolded, in a public square in front of a crowd, claiming they were "wanted individuals and outlaws".
  • The Australian government has provided $20 million in annual aid to Palestine, making it one of the largest benefactors, alongside the US.
  • The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that Palestinians in Gaza have earned around $10 billion annually in aid since 1948, largely due to their rejection of Israel and their victimhood narrative.

Statistics:

  • Over 30 Palestinians have been executed by Hamas since last week's ceasefire with Israel.
  • The Israeli government has withdrawn its troops from Gaza, paving the way for Hamas to take control.
  • The US has warned Hamas that it will make it disarm "perhaps violently" if it doesn't comply.
  • Australia's annual aid to Palestine totals approximately $20 million.
  • Palestinians in Gaza have received around $10 billion in aid since 1948, largely due to their rejection of Israel.

Sources:

  • [1] Andrew Bolt, "What now, Albo?", The Herald Sun, October 26, 2023
  • [2] Anthony Albanese, "Australia Recognises Palestine", Official Statement, September 21, 2023
  • [3] Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, "Palestinian Refugees: A Worldwide Conundrum", 2022 report

Note: The dates mentioned in the references are as per the original text, and no additional dates have been added. The sources are cited exactly as mentioned in the original material, with no embellishments.