Australia will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday. This move breaks with Australia’s close ally, the US, which has opposed recognition of a Palestinian state outside of a peace agreement with Israel.
Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese emphasized that the Palestinian Authority has made commitments to disarm, recognize Israel, and exclude Hamas from any future governance of Palestine. “Our government has made it clear that there can be no role for the terrorists of Hamas in any future Palestinian state,” Albanese said.
The Prime Minister expressed concerns about the ongoing military action in Gaza, stating that the situation “has gone beyond the world’s worst fears,” with an alarming impact on civilians. “The toll of the status quo is growing by the day, and it could be measured in innocent lives,” he added. Albanese stressed that a two-state solution is the only prospect for peace, saying, “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.”
Albanese’s announcement comes as concerns mount over Israel’s plans for a military campaign in parts of the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced due to the Israeli Defence Forces’ control over approximately 75% of the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously described Canberra’s recognition plan as “shameful”. In response to concerns that Australia’s announcement might embolden Israel’s military offensive, Albanese revealed that he had expressed his concerns to Netanyahu about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong had informed US Secretary of State about Australia’s plan as a matter of diplomatic courtesy. This decision positions Australia alongside countries like France, Britain, and Canada, which have also recognized Palestinian statehood.