CANBERRA/WELLINGTON — Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Monday, calling a two-state solution “humanity’s best hope” to end the war in Gaza.
The move — condemned by Israel — places Australia alongside Canada, France and the UK, which are also preparing to extend recognition next month. Albanese said the decision follows “significant commitments” from the Palestinian Authority, including recognising Israel’s right to exist, demilitarisation, and plans for general elections.
Israeli officials rejected the announcement. Ambassador Amir Maimon told ABC the decision would “do nothing to end the war,” while President Isaac Herzog accused Canberra of “rewarding Hamas” for its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The decision follows mass protests across Australia, including a 300,000-strong march over Sydney Harbour Bridge demanding sanctions against Israel. The opposition Liberal Party accused Albanese of undermining the U.S. alliance, while the Greens and pro-Palestinian groups called the move symbolic and insufficient.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said his government will decide on recognition in September after “carefully” weighing public and parliamentary opinion.
Currently, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states recognise Palestinian statehood.
The announcements came hours after an Israeli strike killed five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza City. Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s war has killed at least 61,430 people, with more than 200 dying from starvation under siege conditions.
