Australia will formally recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, aligning Canberra with countries such as the UK, France, and Canada in backing Palestinian statehood.
Albanese said the move followed commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to demilitarise, hold general elections, and continue recognising Israel’s right to exist. He stressed that a two-state solution remains “humanity’s best hope” to end the long-standing cycle of violence in the Middle East and alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The decision comes amid intensifying international pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed more than 61,000 lives since 2023, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The same source reports that 217 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since Saturday. Israel’s offensive began after the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.
Israel has strongly criticised the recognition of Palestinian statehood, calling it a “reward for terrorism.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, comparing it to how Australians would react if a similar attack occurred near Sydney or Melbourne.
The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said the recognition reflects growing international support for the self-determination of the Palestinian people. Albanese confirmed that PA President Mahmoud Abbas assured him Hamas would have no role in any future Palestinian state.
Australia’s decision follows consultations with leaders from the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan. “There is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it,” Albanese said.
In contrast, the United States has reiterated its refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood at this stage. US Vice-President JD Vance argued that the absence of a functional Palestinian government made recognition premature.
The announcement also comes after a large pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney, where tens of thousands marched across the Harbour Bridge following a court ruling permitting the protest.
Currently, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states recognise Palestine, which holds “permanent observer state” status at the UN—allowing participation in debates but no voting rights. Proponents hope Australia’s move will help revive stalled peace talks and push for a ceasefire in the region.
