Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, marking a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy.
Albanese said the decision was based on assurances from the Palestinian Authority, including recognition of Israel’s right to exist, a demilitarised Palestine, governance reforms, and the exclusion of Hamas from future leadership. He described the two-state solution as the best hope to end the violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said waiting for a stalled peace process was no longer an option, adding that Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza could violate international law.
The announcement comes as Gaza faces intense fighting. Palestinian authorities claim over 60,000 civilians have been killed since October 2023, when Hamas carried out an attack in Israel that left 1,200 dead. Netanyahu has denounced the move by Australia and other nations as damaging and dangerous.
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Domestically, the decision has drawn both praise and criticism. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry described it as premature and potentially rewarding militants, while pro-Palestinian groups welcomed it as a step towards justice.
Wong noted that any expansion of diplomatic ties, such as an embassy in Palestine, would depend on the Palestinian Authority meeting its obligations.
Australia joins a growing list of countries, including France, Canada, and the UK, that have pledged to recognise Palestine in recent weeks. Canberra says the move is not symbolic but part of a practical effort to restart peace talks.
