Terrorist group Hamas welcomes Australian Government’s decision to drop recognition of West Jerusalem as capital of Israel

A group which is listed as a terrorist organisation under Australia’s criminal code has welcomed the Albanese Government’s decision to no longer recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday announced the reversal of the previous government’s position, noting Australia’s embassy would remain in Tel Aviv.

Shortly after Ms Wong’s confirmation, Hamas praised the move via the release of a statement.

“The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas welcomes the Australian government’s decision to drop recognition of occupied Jerusalem as the capital of the Israeli occupation state, and considers it a step in the right direction towards supporting the Palestinians’ rights,” the terrorist group’s statement said.

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“Such a decision opens the way for the free countries of the world to withdraw recognition of the Israeli occupation entity and expose its crimes and terrorist acts before the concerned parties until Palestinians enjoy their basic rights and freedom.”

The former Morrison government in March listed Hamas as a terrorist organisation, a move it said would help keep Australians safe from violent extremism.

The Zionist Federation of Australia expressed its disappointment following Hamas’ praise, with President Jeremy Leibler arguing that alone should cause the Labor Government to reflect.

“The decision today has been welcomed by Hamas – an organisation designated by the Australian Government as a terrorist organization,” he told SkyNews.com.au.

“That alone should cause the Albanese Government to reflect on this decision.

“Sadly, in making this decision, the Albanese Government is holding the State of Israel to a different standard to any other sovereign nation and doing so will reward those who refuse to recognise the reality on the ground and negotiate a much-needed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”  

The government’s decision was described by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid as “hasty” and even resulted in Australia’s Ambassador being summoned.

Former ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma told Sky News Australia the summoning of an ambassador was a serious matter and it was not common practice in a country which shares good diplomatic relations.

Shadow foreign minister Simon Birmingham was also disappointed by the government’s handling of the situation, describing the ordeal as “shambolic”.

“He (Albanese) should have got on the phone to him before this decision was made, consulted on the decision and advised and informed before it was being publicly announced,” Mr Birmingham told Sky News Australia.

“The test now is whether he will get on the phone and apologise for the shambolic way in which it was handled.

“He should be apologising for failing to at least show the basic, diplomatic courtesies of engagement prior to an announcement.”