Australia will formally support the recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed, joining a growing list of nations pushing for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Albanese said the decision followed specific commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including pledges to demilitarise, hold democratic elections, and maintain recognition of Israel’s right to exist. He also noted that President Mahmoud Abbas had assured Canberra that Hamas would have no role in any future Palestinian government.
“A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East,” Albanese said. “This is a moment of opportunity, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it.”
The move aligns Australia with countries such as the UK, France, and Canada, which have recently shifted toward supporting Palestinian statehood—an especially significant political signal amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel condemned the announcement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “shameful,” accusing supporters of Palestinian recognition of rewarding Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 250 taken hostage. “Imagine if Melbourne or Sydney experienced such an attack—you would do at least what we’re doing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. The Hamas-run health ministry said five more people had died of starvation since Saturday, bringing the death toll from malnutrition to 217. In total, more than 61,000 people have reportedly been killed since Israel began its military campaign in late 2023.
Australia’s policy shift follows consultations between Albanese and leaders from New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and France. It also comes after a massive pro-Palestinian march in Sydney, where tens of thousands crossed the Harbour Bridge following a court’s decision to allow the protest.
The United States, however, maintains its opposition to Palestinian statehood. Vice-President JD Vance said Washington will not support recognition, citing the absence of a stable Palestinian government and concerns about legitimising Hamas.
The debate comes as Israel faces criticism for its plan to retake Gaza City, a move that has drawn condemnation from UN diplomats. Netanyahu insists the operation is necessary to end the conflict.
Currently, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states recognise the State of Palestine, which holds permanent observer status at the UN—allowing it to participate in debates but not vote.
Albanese’s government hopes that Australia’s recognition will contribute to building the foundations for a durable peace in the region.
