ISLAMABAD: Australia today took a major decision in favor of Palestinians and cancelled its recognition of West Jerusalm as the capital of Israel.
In 2018, the previous Australian government of ex-Prime Minister Scott Morrison recognised West Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “Today the Government has reaffirmed Australia’s previous and longstanding position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people.”
“This reverses the Morrison Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”
Wong reiterated that Australia’s embassy would remain in Tel Aviv and that Canberra was committed to a two-state solution “in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders”.
She added: “We will not support an approach that undermines this prospect.”
The status of Jerusalem is one of the biggest sticking points in attempts to reach a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
