SYDNEY, August 11 – Australia has announced that it will formally recognize the State of Palestine during next month’s United Nations General Assembly, in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as a step toward peace, justice, and stability in the Middle East. The move follows similar decisions by France, Britain, and Canada, and adds to the growing diplomatic pressure on Israel to agree to a political resolution to the conflict.
In a statement released on Monday, Albanese confirmed that recognition would be part of Australia’s effort to support international momentum for a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages. The decision, however, will be tied to assurances from the Palestinian Authority that Hamas will not play any role in a future Palestinian state.
Two-State Solution as a Path to Peace
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Albanese emphasised that the recognition was not a symbolic gesture but a step grounded in diplomatic commitments and security considerations. He described a two-state solution as “humanity’s best hope” to end the cycle of violence, resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and address decades of unresolved tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
According to Albanese, the commitments from the Palestinian Authority include governance reforms, demilitarization, and the holding of general elections. He also pointed to the Arab League’s demand that Hamas relinquish its control over Gaza as an important factor in Australia’s decision. “This is an opportunity to isolate Hamas and strengthen the foundations of a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state,” he said.
The prime minister noted that he had spoken directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Thursday, urging him to pursue a political path rather than relying solely on military measures. Albanese reiterated his concern over Israel’s recent announcement of plans to take full military control of Gaza, a policy he said undermines the chances for peace and ignores global calls for restraint.
He also condemned the Netanyahu administration for pushing ahead with settlement growth in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, threatening annexation, and openly opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state. In his view, these actions “are extinguishing the very possibility of a two-state solution,” compelling Australia to act in order to preserve what remains of the diplomatic pathway to peace.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong shared the same view, saying the move was driven by both a sense of moral duty and a matter of strategic importance. She confirmed that she had informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of Australia’s position, despite known differences between the two countries on the issue. Wong highlighted that this recognition aligns with Australia’s longstanding support for international law, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Reactions at Home and Abroad
Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, condemned the move, arguing it jeopardizes Israel’s security and risks disrupting delicate hostage negotiations. In a social media post, Maimon suggested that Australia’s recognition would reward extremist violence and send the wrong message at a time when trust between the parties is already low.
Meanwhile, domestic public opinion in Australia has been sharply divided over the Gaza conflict, with the government facing pressure from both sides of the debate. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge earlier this month, demanding increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to what they described as collective punishment of civilians. Albanese acknowledged that public concern over the devastation in Gaza was one of the driving forces behind the government’s decision.
New Zealand has indicated that it will review its own position on Palestinian recognition later this month, signaling a potential shift among U.S-aligned nations on the issue. However, not all countries are on board. Some Western leaders have criticized recent recognitions by other governments, arguing they could embolden militant groups or undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The backdrop to Australia’s decision is the war that erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters entered Israeli border towns, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In the months since, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 60,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities, and left large parts of the enclave in ruins. Humanitarian agencies warn of widespread malnutrition, which they attribute to severe restrictions on aid deliveries. Israel disputes this, blaming Hamas for the food shortages and claiming that significant amounts of aid have been allowed in.
Albanese stressed that Australia’s recognition is aimed at fostering conditions for peace rather than deepening divisions. “This is not about taking sides, it is about taking a stand for a future in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, security, and dignity,” he said. He added that recognition is not a substitute for negotiations but could act as a catalyst to bring both sides back to the table.
The announcement is expected to be formalised at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September. If carried through, it would mark a significant moment in Australia’s foreign policy, placing it among the growing list of nations advocating for Palestinian statehood as a necessary element of a lasting Middle East peace settlement.