Australia has announced that it will no longer recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, said in a statement, that the government was reversing the decision held by its previous government.
“This reverses the Morrison Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” said Wong. She was referring to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2018.
Wong further explained that Australia’s embassy would remain in Tel Aviv. Its capital, Canberra remains committed to a two-state solution which will see Israel and Palestine coexist – within internationally recognised borders.
“We will not support an approach that undermines this prospect,” Wong added.
Timeline: The decades-long conflict between Gaza and Israel
Mistakes of the past
Morrison announced that his conservative government would recognise West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The decision came after the United States back-tracked and recognised the city, moving the US Embassy there from Tel Aviv.
The Australian decision was met with fierce backlash from pro-Palestinian groups and the Labor party. The party promised to reverse the move if ever elected.
Wong reassured that current Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese’s government would recommit Australia to efforts towards an enduring two-state solution. “I regret that Mr Morrison’s decision to play politics resulted in Australia’s shifting position,” said Wong.
The statement further read that Australia would remain a “steadfast friend of Israel” and that it would equally support the “Palestinian people”.
And Jerusalem lies in the middle
The status of Jerusalem is a vital link in attempts to reach peace between Israel and Palestine.
Israel has regarded the entire city as its capital – including the sector it annexed following the 1967 Middle East war. Palestine, with great international backing, wants to occupy East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. One that they hope to establish in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.
READ MORE: Ancient mosaics found in Gaza Strip
