Foreign Minister Wong Credits Trump with “Extraordinary Achievement” on Gaza Ceasefire as Australia Backs Peace Plan
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Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has declared that President Donald Trump deserves recognition for what she called an “extraordinary achievement” in brokering a Gaza ceasefire agreement, marking a significant diplomatic acknowledgment from the Albanese government as it navigates criticism over its Middle East policy stance.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong appeared on Sky News during a Senate estimates break Friday morning to address the breakthrough Gaza ceasefire agreement, offering unequivocal praise for Trump’s diplomatic leadership while defending Australia’s controversial decision to recognize Palestinian statehood.
“I think that’s probably true,” Wong said when asked if Trump was the only leader capable of securing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s agreement to the ceasefire. “President Trump has got this over the line. It is an extraordinary achievement.”
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The Foreign Minister’s comments represent a notable endorsement of Trump’s diplomatic approach from a Labor government that has frequently found itself at odds with conservative allies over Middle East policy. Wong emphasized that while Trump’s intervention proved decisive, the groundwork involved unprecedented commitments from Arab League nations including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
“We always knew over this last year in all of the discussions internationally that we needed US engagement,” Wong stated, according to the interview transcript. “But President Trump has got this over the line.”
Coalition Criticism and Government Response
The ceasefire announcement has reignited domestic political tensions over Australia’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The opposition coalition has argued it was vindicated in maintaining consistent support for US-brokered peace efforts, while the government pursued what critics characterized as premature recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Wong rejected suggestions the government should have deferred to the United States throughout the process, pointing to what she described as the coalition’s isolation from international consensus.
“The coalition really has been out of step with the international community for such a long time,” Wong said. “Remember, the coalition opposed a ceasefire that President Trump himself supported.”
The Foreign Minister noted that the coalition failed to understand how various international actors contributed momentum toward peace, particularly the unprecedented commitments from Arab nations that helped isolate Hamas and enable the agreement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously criticized Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood as “a gift to Hamas” and called it “a meaningless move for our own domestic purposes.” When pressed on whether Australia should have aligned with Rubio’s position, Wong cited Trump’s own reported comment to Netanyahu: “You can’t fight the world, Bibi.”
Nobel Prize Speculation
Wong carefully navigated questions about whether Trump should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for the achievement, stopping short of direct endorsement while acknowledging the historic significance of the agreement.
“Certainly this peace plan is historically unprecedented,” she said. “This has been the biggest contribution to peace that we have seen in a very long time.”
When asked directly if she opposed the idea of Trump receiving the prize, Wong responded: “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.”
International Momentum and Australia’s Role
The Foreign Minister framed Australia’s recognition of Palestine as part of building international momentum toward peace, rather than an isolated diplomatic gesture. She emphasized that multiple countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, joined Australia in recognition efforts designed to create conditions for negotiation.
“I see it as confirmation that being part of international momentum towards peace was the right call,” Wong said when asked if Trump’s “you can’t fight the world” comment vindicated the government’s position.
Wong acknowledged that Arab League nations played a central role in isolating Hamas and enabling the ceasefire. “The coalition has not understood the unprecedented commitments of the Arab League, including countries like Egypt and Qatar and Turkey, which have been central to isolating Hamas and enabling this deal to be possible,” she stated.
Peacekeeping and Next Steps
Regarding potential Australian involvement in any peacekeeping force for Gaza, Wong said the government had not received a request but would “consider any request in the usual way.”
The Foreign Minister expressed hope that the ceasefire would bring relief to Gaza’s civilian population and pave the way for long-term peace. “It will bring hope where there has been despair for the people of Gaza and I hope long-term peace for the people of Palestine and of Israel,” she said.
Relationship with Israel
Wong addressed questions about Australia’s strained relationship with Israel, acknowledging the difficulties while expressing commitment to repair.
“It has been difficult. We have had a different view,” Wong said, referring to her interactions with the Israeli ambassador. “We have had very strong differences of opinion and of policy and philosophy with the current Israeli government.”
However, she emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship: “Israel is a long-standing relationship for Australia and a relationship that matters even when we disagree.”
The Foreign Minister indicated the government’s priority now is backing Trump’s peace plan: “What we want to do now is to back in President Trump’s peace plan. That’s the best thing for the people of Israel and the people of Gaza.”
Domestic Political Implications
Wong criticized both the coalition and the Greens for attempting to exploit the conflict domestically, calling for unity around the peace process.
“Unfortunately, what we’ve seen from the coalition is negativity, a desire to have a political division, when really we should be speaking with one voice,” she said.
The Foreign Minister’s appearance came as the government faces continued scrutiny over its handling of social cohesion issues related to the Middle East conflict, though she suggested political leaders should now focus on supporting the ceasefire rather than perpetuating division.
The interview concluded with Wong returning to Senate estimates hearings, where the government faces questioning on various foreign policy matters.
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