Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly next month, describing a two-state solution as 'humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East'. The announcement comes amid growing international momentum for Palestinian statehood and condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Albanese said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, telling him 'the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears'. More than 60,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Gaza since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, according to local health authorities. The Australian leader cited an unacceptable civilian death toll and Israel’s failure to comply with international law.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated, 'We can’t keep waiting for the end of a peace process that has ground to a halt.' She added that the international community must 'forge hope from despair' by supporting the Palestinian Authority’s commitments and the Arab League’s efforts to isolate Hamas. Australia’s recognition is conditional on the Palestinian Authority’s pledges, including demilitarisation, recognising Israel’s right to exist, holding elections, and excluding Hamas from a future state.
The decision has drawn criticism from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, which called it a 'betrayal', and from Coalition defence spokesperson Angus Taylor, who deemed it 'premature'. However, the Labor government faced internal and public pressure, including large protests in Sydney, to accelerate recognition. Australia joins France, Canada, and the UK in pledging recognition, amid widespread condemnation of Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza.
