Canberra: Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced.
This move follows similar recent recognitions by the UK, France, and Canada. Albanese stated that Australia’s decision comes after receiving key commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including pledges to demilitarise, hold general elections, and continue recognising Israel’s right to exist. Albanese stated that, “A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza.”
The announcement arrives with mounting international pressure on Israel to end its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which began in response to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. The offensive has resulted in over 61,000 deaths, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
Israel has condemned the recognition move, arguing it rewards terrorism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised countries planning recognition, calling it ‘disappointing’ and ‘shameful.’ Netanyahu warned that countries should consider their response if such attacks occurred near their cities.
The Palestinian Authority, which controls parts of the West Bank, has welcomed the recognition as a sign of growing international support for Palestinian self-determination. Albanese highlighted that the decision was contingent on assurances from PA President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas would have no role in any future Palestinian state.
The move follows diplomatic discussions with leaders from the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan over recent weeks. Australia sees this as a moment of opportunity to advance peace efforts in the region. Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge, a day after a court ruling allowed the protest to proceed, reflecting growing public interest in the issue.
The United States, however, has firmly stated it will not recognise Palestinian statehood, with Vice-President JD Vance citing the absence of a functional Palestinian government. Internationally, Palestine is currently recognised by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and holds the status of a permanent observer state at the UN, which allows participation but not voting rights.
Last year, Spain, Ireland, and Norway also recognised Palestine as a state, aiming to encourage a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, Israel faces global criticism over its plans to take over Gaza City, a move Netanyahu describes as the best way to end the war, but which many UN ambassadors have condemned.
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