In a significant diplomatic move, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. This decision aligns Australia with similar recent actions by the UK, France, and Canada.
According to Albanese, this decision was made after Australia received commitments from Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, including promises to demilitarize, hold general elections, and continue to recognize Israel’s right to exist.
“A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza,” Albanese said on Monday.
The move comes as Israel faces increasing international pressure to end the war in Gaza. Israel has consistently opposed the recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it a reward for terrorism.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that five people died from starvation and malnutrition over the weekend, bringing the total to 217, while more than 61,000 people have been killed in the military campaign since 2023.
Israel launched the offensive in response to the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages.
Albanese noted that the decision follows recent discussions with his counterparts in the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan, signaling a coordinated international effort.
“There is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it,” he told the media.
In the United States, Vice President JD Vance stated over the weekend that the U.S. will not follow suit, citing a lack of a functional Palestinian government and a belief that such a move would reward Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced strong criticism of countries planning to recognize Palestinian statehood.
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“To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole… it is disappointing – and I think it’s actually shameful,” he said at a press conference. He added, “They know what they would do if, right next to Melbourne or right next to Sydney, you had this horrific attack. I think you would do at least what we’re doing.”
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognized by 147 of the 193 UN member states. It holds “permanent observer state” status at the UN, which allows it to participate in proceedings but not to vote.
Last year, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized Palestine in hopes of encouraging a ceasefire.
