Hamas co-founder Hassan Yousef praises Anthony Albanese’s ‘courage’ in recognising Palestinian statehood

Terrorist organisation Hamas has praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, contradicting the Government’s claim that Hamas would be “totally opposed” to the move.

“We welcome Australia’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine, and consider it an important step towards achieving justice for our people and their legitimate rights,” Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a co-founder of Hamas, told the Sydney Morning Herald, reported by foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott.

“This position reflects political courage and a commitment to the values of justice and the right of peoples to self-determination.”

“We call on all countries, especially those that believe in freedom and human dignity, to follow Australia’s example and translate their positions into practical steps to support the Palestinian people and end their suffering under occupation.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the Albanese Government’s move to recognise Palestine, saying it is “shameful” and “disappointing” that Australia is buying into Hamas propaganda.

Speaking on Sunrise on Tuesday, Mr Albanese denied that argument, stating, “Hamas will be totally opposed to this decision. Hamas don’t support two states, they support one state.”

“And I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu last week. You can’t just continue to do what he is saying, which is, we will continue to just have this military operation, without any political strategy for a solution going forward.

“We’re seeing how it is playing out, which is Gaza reduced to rubble. Tens of thousands of innocent lives being lost, innocent... Kids being killed while trying to get basic essential of food and water. We just can’t keep going the same way.”

The Federal Opposition has also strongly opposed the decision.

“The Coalition would have never made this call and we do not agree with it. A Coalition Government would only recognise a Palestinian state at the conclusion of a proper peace process,” Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley said in a joint statement with Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash.

“The reality is the conditions the Prime Minister himself claims to be necessary for recognition are not being met and are pushed further away by recognising a Palestinian state outside of a proper peace and two-state process.”

Ms Ley also voiced concerns that recognising Palestinian statehood would “reward and embolden” the terrorist organisation.

Knott reported that Mr Yousef’s statement marks the first time that a Hamas official has spoken on the Albanese Government’s decision to recognise Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Mr Yousef admitted that Hamas’ commitment to violence had prompted countries like Australia to recognise Palestine.

“We believe that the escalation of armed resistance, including the operations carried out on October 7, has significantly contributed to highlighting the suffering of the Palestinian people and the injustice they face,” he said.

“These operations have drawn global attention to the Palestinian cause and compelled many countries and organisations to reconsider their positions, leading to greater support and recognition of Palestine as a state by some countries.

“Resistance has proven to be an effective means to break the siege and bring the Palestinian cause back to the international discussion table.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has reiterated the Albanese Government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, making it clear that the recent recognition of a Palestinian state is designed to advance peace and to exclude Hamas from any future leadership role.

Mr Chalmers said the Government’s position had been consistent: hostage releases must happen, and the path forward lies in a genuine two-state solution.

“First of all we’ve been very clear on our position of the release of the hostages,” Mr Chalmers said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“The announcement the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister made this week is about isolating and excluding Hamas from the future leadership of Palestine, a state of Palestine.”

He described the decision as Australia’s contribution to “international progress and momentum” towards a settlement where “families in Israel and in Palestine can raise their kids in peace.”

Mr Chalmers stressed that Hamas would “absolutely” have no role in that future, framing recognition of a Palestinian state as both a symbolic and practical step to break the cycle of violence.

The United Nations General Assembly will be held on September 9.