Australia will formally recognize a Palestinian state during the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Monday. The decision, announced alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong in Canberra, aligns with what Albanese called a "coordinated global effort" to advance a two-state solution amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
"A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence and end the suffering in Gaza," Albanese stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis and condemning Israel's withholding of aid and settler violence in the West Bank. He described conditions in Gaza as "beyond the world's worst fears."
The move follows consultations with leaders from Britain, France, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. Albanese noted that the Palestinian Authority had pledged to recognize Israel's right to exist, hold elections, and demilitarize. However, he warned that recent actions, including threats to annex Palestinian territories and forced displacement, risk derailing peace efforts for decades.
Australia's announcement reflects growing international momentum for Palestinian statehood, with Albanese's Labor Party intensifying calls for a ceasefire and criticizing Israel's military tactics in recent weeks. Analysts suggest the decision could influence other nations to follow suit during the UN session.
