Australia will back recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN in September, Prime Minister Albanese says.
The move follows PA pledges on demilitarization, elections, and Israel’s right to exist.
Australia will vote in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday. The decision follows similar actions by the UK, France, and Canada.
Albanese said the move comes after receiving assurances from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to demilitarize, hold democratic elections, and uphold Israel’s right to exist. “A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and end the conflict, suffering, and starvation in Gaza,” he stated.
The PA, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, welcomed the decision, saying it reflects growing international support for Palestinian self-determination. Albanese also confirmed that Hamas would have no role in any future Palestinian state, citing commitments from PA President Mahmoud Abbas.
Israel has sharply criticized the plan, arguing it “rewards terrorism.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the move “disappointing” and “shameful,” urging countries to consider how they would react if subjected to similar attacks.
The announcement comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry says over 61,000 people have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began in response to the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. It reported that starvation-related deaths in Gaza have now reached 217.
Albanese said Australia’s position was influenced by recent talks with 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,” he told reporters.
The US has ruled out recognizing Palestinian statehood, with Vice-President JD Vance saying it would reward Hamas and pointing to the absence of a functioning Palestinian government.
Currently, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states recognize Palestine, which holds “permanent observer state” status allowing participation but no voting rights in the General Assembly.
