Australia's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly next month has been criticised by Israel. 

Israel's Ambassador to Australia has accused the federal government of using the war in Gaza as an excuse to progress Palestinian statehood.

Meanwhile,  a former Foreign Minister with the Palestinian Authority and a former representative of the Palestine Liberation Organisation to the UN says Australia's decision is better late than never. 

• Guest: Nasser al Kidwa, former Foreign Minister with the Palestinian Authority and a former representative of the Palestine Liberation Organisation to the UN
• Producers: Anne Barker, Grace Stranger