Australia will officially recognise Palestine as a state, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, joining France, the UK, and Canada in backing Palestinian statehood. The decision, he said, is aimed at advancing a two-state solution to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East.
Albanese told reporters after a Cabinet meeting that recognition will be formalised at the United Nations General Assembly in September, contingent on commitments from the Palestinian Authority. These include excluding Hamas from government, demilitarising Gaza, and holding elections.
“Our government has made it clear there can be no role for the terrorists of Hamas in any future Palestinian state,” he said.
The move comes amid criticism of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and growing calls within Australia to address the humanitarian crisis there. Canberra has also condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for a large-scale assault on Gaza City, warning it could breach international law. Netanyahu called Australia’s decision “shameful.”
The recognition strengthens international momentum for Palestinian statehood, though the United States maintains it will only support recognition as part of a negotiated peace deal with Israel.
