SYDNEY:
Australia will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday a decision that places Canberra alongside the UK, France, and Canada in backing Palestinian statehood.
Speaking to reporters, Albanese revealed that the move follows a series of commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including pledges to demilitarise, hold democratic elections, and maintain recognition of Israel’s right to exist.
“A two-state solution remains humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the suffering and starvation in Gaza,” Albanese said.
The announcement comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed more than 61,000 lives since October 2023, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The same source reported that 217 people — including five since Saturday have died from starvation and malnutrition in the besieged enclave.
Israel has rejected Canberra’s decision, arguing that recognising Palestinian statehood at this stage “rewards terrorism.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing reporters over the weekend, described the move by Australia and European nations as “shameful.”
“Imagine if, right next to Melbourne or Sydney, you had such a horrific attack. You’d do at least what we’re doing,” Netanyahu remarked, referring to the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led assault that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has hailed Australia’s recognition as a sign of growing global support for its people’s right to self-determination. Albanese noted that his decision came after direct discussions with PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who assured him that Hamas would have no role in any future Palestinian state.
The move also follows a fortnight of high-level consultations between Albanese and leaders from the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan. “There is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it,” the prime minister said.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a day after a court cleared the way for the rally to proceed.
While Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognised Palestine last year, the United States maintains its opposition, with Vice-President JD Vance reiterating over the weekend that Washington sees no “functional government” in place to warrant recognition.
Currently, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states recognise the State of Palestine, which holds “permanent observer” status at the world body allowing it to participate in debates but without voting rights.
