Australia praises Trump’s Gaza peace efforts but doesn’t endorse Nobel prize push

The Albanese government has praised Donald Trump for his “decisive” role in driving a Middle East peace deal while claiming Australia’s “patient and deliberate” diplomatic efforts also helped secure a breakthrough in the Gaza war.

Just days before Anthony Albanese is due to fly to Washington for an Oval Office meeting, the Prime Minister has declared President Trump “deserves congratulations” but has stopped short of backing his bid to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

“I very much welcome this breakthrough. We have called for some time for a ceasefire, for the release of hostages, for aid to be granted,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Brisbane.

“We also need to talk about the day after, which requires a two-state solution. Australia has worked constructively with people.”

“We’ve always said that this will require US leadership and that is what we have seen here. But it’s a very welcome advance,” Mr Albanese added.

Appearing at a senate estimates hearing on Friday morning, Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed news that Israel’s cabinet has approved the first phase of the proposed peace plan.

“That is such welcome news for the people of Gaza, the people of Israel and for all the region and I’m sure around the world this will be received with both relief and joy,” Senator Wong said.

“It’s an important step towards a ceasefire, return of hostages and a sustainable path to a long-term peace,” she told the committee as news of the Israeli cabinet decision came through.

Around 200 American troops have been sent to Israel as part of the peace deal to support and help monitor the ceasefire, but Australia has so far not been asked to send military personnel as part of the US-led effort.

The Foreign Minister says a comment made by President Trump in his phone call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday confirmed the Australian government’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state was the right one.

President Trump told Fox News on Thursday that he told Mr Netanyahu, “You can’t fight the world”.

“I see it as confirmation that being part of international momentum towards peace was the right call,” Senator Wong said when asked on Sky News if she saw that comment as vindication for the Albanese government.

When asked if President Trump deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize that is due to be awarded in Norway tonight, Australia’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister both stopped short of endorsing the idea.

“This peace plan is historically unprecedented. This has been the biggest contribution to peace that we have seen in a very long time,” Senator Wong said.

“Obviously, it’s a matter for the committee, but this has been the greatest contribution to peace in the Middle East for a generation or more.”

Senator Wong said Trump “plays by a different playbook - and it’s working,” while Mr Albanese said: “Donald Trump certainly deserves enormous congratulations for the work that he has done”.

On October 20 Mr Albanese is scheduled to have his first formal meeting with President Trump in the White House, with the AUKUS submarine deal expected to dominate discussions between the pair.

Opposition frontbencher and former Australian ambassador to Israel, Dave Sharma, said he was optimistic for peace in the Middle East given the “pretty dramatic reconfiguration and realignment of forces” over the last two years.

“I think what President Trump is seeking to do, and I hope all the other parties too, is to take advantage of that and put a more optimistic future out there for the people,” he told Sky News.

Earlier on Friday Greens Senator David Shoebridge clashed with the Foreign Minister in the senate estimates hearing after accusing the Albanese government of not doing enough to prevent genocide in Gaza.

Senator Wong hit back at Senator Shoebridge, saying the Greens should reflect “on the lies and misinformation” spread by the minor party since the conflict began two years go.

The Foreign Minister also took aim at Greens leader Larissa Waters for recent comments made about the Manchester synagogue attack, prompting Senator Shoebridge to accuse the Labor frontbencher of making a “gross mischaracterisation”.

During Friday’s senate estimates hearing, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade were also questioned about Australian activists who had been detained by Israel while trying to deliver aid to Gaza.

“We have provided consular assistance to a number of Australians who have been on various flotillas heading towards Palestine,” DFAT official Elizabeth McGregor told the committee.

“Those seven that you mentioned on the Global Sumud Flotilla, we provided consular assistance to them, they have been deported. We are aware of one further Australian who is currently detained in Israel who we are providing consular assistance to”.

Senator Shoebridge again challenged the Foreign Minister to condemn Israel’s treatment of Australian activists detained in international waters.

“We have been deeply concerned about the alleged drone attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the risks to the safety of Australians and other passengers on board,” Senator Wong said in response.

“Australia was clear in our call on all parties to refrain from unlawful or violent acts against the flotilla.”