Hamas has celebrated the Albanese government’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood as a “victory for Palestinian rights”.

Australia joined Britain and Canada in extending diplomatic recognition to Palestine, despite Hamas — a listed terrorist organisation — still holding power in the Gaza Strip.

Senior Hamas figure Mahmud Mardawi said the recognition would fuel the Palestinian cause.

“These developments represent a victory for Palestinian rights and the justice of our cause,” Mardawi told AFP.

“(It) sends a clear message: no matter how far the occupation goes in its crimes, it will never be able to erase our national rights.”

In a separate statement, Hamas called on the international community to "isolate" Israel and "cease all forms of cooperation with it".

The Foreign Mini

See Full Page