Albanese stresses that recognition of Palestine, which could be dismissed as pure symbolism when viewed in isolation, was paired with intense discussions with key players about how to end the war, isolate Hamas and rebuild Gaza. In New York, he met with the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, and he sat down in London with Tony Blair, who would oversee a Gaza transitional authority under Trump’s plan.
“So we wanted to ensure it made a positive difference and I believe it did,” Albanese says. “Sometimes out of the darkest period comes a sliver of light, and there needs to be change.”
The proposal agreed by Trump and Netanyahu calls for the fighting to end, all remaining Israeli hostages to be returned, Hamas demilitarised, Israel to gradually withdraw from most of the Gaza Strip, and an interim administration to be installed.
Albanese in New York with fiancee Jodie Haydon (left) and US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.Credit: White House
Arab nations have approved Trump’s blueprint as the best chance of ending the war, although Hamas has not officially responded and many experts question whether the ambitious plan will succeed where other ceasefire efforts have faltered.
For Trump’s vision to work, Netanyahu would need to be committed to implementing it. Does Albanese believe Netanyahu – who has attacked him as a “weak” leader – genuinely wants the peace plan to work? Does he have faith in him personally?
Suddenly, the fluency of Albanese’s previous answers disappears. “I can’t speak, you know, how would I put it?” he replies before composing his thoughts. “It is clear within Israel itself, there is a range of views and one of the issues is some of the people in the Israeli government, their views have been very clear … but it is very clear that the interests of Israelis is very much in the interests of forging peace, and that is a powerful force.”
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Albanese is more enthused about Trump taking on the role as chair of a Gaza board of peace, saying: “You cannot envisage a pathway to peace without direct engagement of the United States. And I do think it is a positive step forward.”
As to whether Trump should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which the president clearly covets, if he pulls off his Gaza plan, Albanese says: “I’m not on the board of the Nobel Peace Prize … The issue here is peace and security for millions of people in the Middle East. That’s the motivation, that’s the only consideration here.”
Asked about Australia’s potential role in post-war Gaza, including as part of an international peacekeeping force, Albanese could easily rule out any role on the ground. He has not, however, despite multiple opportunities. “Well, we’ll wait and see,” he says, stressing the proposals are in their early stages but leaving open the possibility of a role for Australia.
Throughout his trip, Albanese expressed striking confidence that the Trump administration will stick by the plan to sell Australia nuclear-powered submarines. International reporting increasingly suggests his confidence is warranted. If American support for AUKUS is secure, what is the top priority for his meeting with Trump on October 20? “Just continue to build the relationship,” Albanese says. “I’ve had very constructive discussions and engagement with the president on five occasions now. It’s an important alliance for Australia, and it’s very positive. I look forward to it.”
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