Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon and President Isaac Herzog deride Australia's support for Palestinian state

Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon says the recognition of a Palestinian state will do nothing to end the war in Gaza.

Ambassador Maimon also denied that Israel has a policy of starvation in Gaza during an appearance on 7.30, where Foreign Minister Penny Wong, said the action undertaken by the Australian government was in part spurred on by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to extend his nation's offensive.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier on Monday announced that Australia would join other nations at the United Nations General Assembly in September in recognising Palestinian statehood.

However Ambassador Maimon said that decision would change nothing.

"I would like to say a few words about the recognition of Australia — first of all, it's important to emphasise we reject the recognition, unilateral recognition," he told 7.30.

"The only solution, the only way out is if the two parties will sit down and will negotiate directly and bilaterally.

"This is something that needs to be understood."

The comments were echoed in a statement sent to 7.30 from the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who attacked the Australian announcement as a reward for Hamas committing terrorist acts in Israel on October 7, 2023. 

Mr Herzog made the remarks at the inauguration of the new Knesset Museum in Jerusalem, on the site of the Israeli Parliament from 1950-66.

"Recognising a Palestinian state now is a grave mistake," Mr Herzog said.

"I wonder what the Knesset members in those days for example, would have said about the Australian prime minister's intention to recognise a Palestinian state. 

"I have no doubt what Ben-Gurion and Begin, who were on opposite sides of the aisle, would have said together, and I too say here emphatically to the whole world: Israel has always strived, and will always strive, for peace with our neighbours including the Palestinians. 

"This is a grave and dangerous mistake, which will not help a single Palestinian and sadly will not bring back a single hostage."

'No starvation policy'

As the war continues more attention has focused on the plight of civilians in Gaza, and amid the more than 60,000 deaths as reported by Palestinian Health authorities, images of starving and emaciated children have been beamed around the world.

Israeli officials have frequently denied the nation is responsible for starvation in Gaza, amid allegations of human rights abuses.

On 7.30, Ambassador Maimon joined them.

"There is no starvation policy," he said before he blamed Hamas for the conditions being inflicted upon Palestinians.

"There are real challenges, in recent two weeks, 18,000 trucks traversed the border crossing. 

"Israel is doing its utmost in facilitating the transfer, we're not responsible for the distribution. 

"It's also very important to recognise the role of the Hamas — the negative role that Hamas — in preventing aid to reach all those needed Palestinians."

He was challenged on that point by 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson who asked him if he accepted that "100 children in Gaza have died of starvation in recent months? Do you accept those statistics?"

The ambassador responded that he was "following the statistics of the Israeli authority".

"I'm aware of other views," he said.

"Let me pose this question. How many children do they say have died from starvation in recent months?" Ferguson asked

"I don't have the figures," the ambassador said.

"You can't push back on my figures if you don't have figures to offer yourself," Ferguson said.

"Well, I have no figures, but I can push back on the Israeli hostages that did not receive humanitarian aid since October 7, nor a visit from none of the organisations that are responsible to assist those who are in need," Ambassador Maimon ended.

'Historic commitments': Wong

Senator Wong said Israel’s decision to extend the war in Gaza and occupy Gaza City was a cause of great concern for Australia.

"We certainly are very concerned with this decision by the Israeli security cabinet and we disagree with it, fundamentally," Senator Wong told 7.30.

"What that did confirm for us ... and I think to the world, regrettably, is at the moment a ceasefire is not within reach."

Senator Wong said Australia's decision was part of history.

"Today is a historic day for Australia, it's the first time in 77 years we have recognised a Palestinian state," she said.

"This is the best opportunity to isolate Hamas, to contribute towards a two-state solution, to break the cycle of violence, so that's why we have determined to recognise Palestine at the UN in September."

Australia's conditions for the establishment of a Palestinian state include Hamas's disarmament and a demilitarised Palestinian state. 

Pressed on whether the Australian government would still recognise Palestine if those conditions were not met by September, Senator Wong said this was an "opportunity to contribute to peace".

"What we will also do is work with the international community to hold the Palestinian Authority to its commitments," she added.

"We do have unprecedented commitments from the Arab League, a group of Arab countries saying Hamas must lay down their arms, Hamas must relinquish their control on Gaza. 

"These are historic commitments and we need to take this opportunity to contribute to peace."

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