Australia PM Albanese says that Netanyahu of Israel “ in denial ” on the Gaza War

The Australian Prime Minister accused his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu of being “in denial” of the consequences of the war in Gaza.

Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that his country would recognize a Palestinian state in the United Nations General Assembly in September, following similar measures in the United Kingdom, France and Canada.

Albanese said that frustration in the face of the Israeli government had played a role in the move, saying that the Australians “wanted to see the murder and the cycle of violence stop.”

Israel, under increasing pressure to put an end to the war in Gaza, said that the recognition of a Palestinian state “rewards terrorism” and Netanyahu called on the decision taken by Australia and other “shameful” allies.

Netanyahu and his government have been faced with an increasing conviction concerning famine relationships in Gaza.

Five people died of malnutrition in the past 24 hours, including a child, according to the Ministry of Health managed by Hamas, bearing the total number of malnutrition deaths to 222 – including 101 children.

Israel denies that there is famine in Gaza and accused the United Nations agencies of not having taken aid at the borders and of delivering it. The UN has rejected this, saying that it faces obstacles and delays while collecting the help of the border areas controlled by the Israeli.

Addressing Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, Albanese said that he spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu last Thursday to inform him of Australia’s decision.

“The cessation of the help we have seen, then the losses of lives that we see around these aid distribution points, where people line up for food and water lose their lives, is simply unacceptable. And we said,” he said.

“I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu. He reiterated me again what he also said publicly, which must be denying the consequences that occur for the innocent.”

Albanese had previously declared that the decision to recognize that a Palestinian State had been made after having received commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA), which controls parts of the West Bank occupied by Israeli, that Hamas would not play any role in a future state

This decision attracted a mixed response to Australia, the executive council of the Australian Jewish community calling it a “betrayal”, and some Palestinian activists saying that it is not far away.

The head of the opposition on the right, Sussan Ley, said that the decision was “disrespectful” towards the United States, a key Australian ally.

Earlier this month, a pro-Palestinian demonstration attracted at least 90,000 supporters who crossed the Sydney Harbor bridge, one day after a court decision allowed the demonstration to occur.

Netanyahu said at a press conference during the weekend that he was “shameful” for countries whose Australia recognizes a Palestinian state.

“They know what they would do if, right next to Melbourne or right next to Sydney, you had this horrible attack. I think you would do at least what we do.”

More than 61,000 people have been killed following the military campaign of Israel since October 7, according to the Ministry of Health managed by Hamas.

Israel launched the offensive in response to the attack led by Hamas on October 7, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.