Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has heralded the signing of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan by Israel and Hamas as “a reason for hope”.
As Question Time began on Thursday, Albanians welcomed the long-sought deal to bring peace to Gaza, which was brokered overnight by the US, the Arab League, Turkiye, Qatar and Egypt.
It followed Trump’s announcement that the “first phase” of his 20-point peace framework had been agreed upon by Hamas and Israel, which meant the imminent withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza “along an agreed line”.
According to local authorities, Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 people, including many women and children.
Albanians welcomed the announcement and praised global diplomatic efforts as “vital” to get this over the line.
“Today we see a ray of light,” Albanese told the House of Representatives.
“There is growing international momentum to bring peace and security to the Middle East and we must all continue to work together to build on this.
The Albanians reiterated calls for Hamas – the political and military group that rules Gaza – to lay down its arms and refrain from playing any future role in Gaza.
“President Trump’s plan also rejects the annexation or forced displacement of the Palestinian people, because the only path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East remains a two-state solution,” he said.
In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the Albanians urged “all parties to respect the terms of the plan”, saying there is a “long road to recovery in Gaza”.
The return of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 is expected on Saturday, with nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners also released from Israeli prisons as part of the deal.
US President Donald Trump has described the signing of phase one of the agreement as “a great day”. Source: MONKEY / Alex Brandon/AP
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the US-brokered deal should “inspire hope in Australia and around the world” for lasting peace.
She said it showed that “careful diplomacy gets results” and called it “the beginning of the end of this war.”
“We remain hopeful that today’s announcement will hold in the coming days,” she said Thursday.
Jewish groups have supported the peace plan because it ensures the return of the remaining hostages.
The Australia-Palestine Advocacy Network previously rejected Trump’s proposal, claiming it does not provide justice or peace and fails to guarantee sovereignty for Palestinians.
– With additional reporting from Australian Associated Press
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