Neelam Rahim | neealm@radioislam.co.za

2 min read | 21:40 pm CAT

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Australia says it will no longer recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing a decision taken by the government of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2018.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government ‘regrets’ the decision made by the previous administration and reiterates its commitment to a two-state solution.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, the Director General of the Al-Quds Center for Political Studies, writer and political analyst on Middle Eastern affairs, Oraib Al Rantawi, said the step is appreciated by Palestinian people and the Arab nation at large. Jerusalem continues to be the capital of the Palestinians Occupied State as this is the international law.

He said Australia is an essential and robust ally to Britain and the United States. The new attitude will encourage the opposition to recognise Jerusalem as part of Israel and its capital.

In the statement, the Foreign Minister said they are committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and future Palestinians may co-exist in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.

According to Al Rantawi, Australia rejoined the international community to recognise the two-state solution as the only way out of the crisis between Palestinians and the Israeli Occupiers.

However, he said when it comes to realism on the ground. Israel is trying to change the legal situation in the occupied territories, especially in Jerusalem.

He says, “There is no Israeli approval of the two state solution despite Lapid recently saying that he can deal with it.”

Meanwhile, the Palestinian people welcome the Australian decision and will build on this new development.

Listen below to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Oraib Al Rantawi on Radio Islam’s podcast.