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Australia will recognise Palestine as a state during the UN General Assembly in September.
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Palestinian Authority has agreed to demilitarise, hold elections, and exclude Hamas from governance.
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Israel condemns the move, claiming it rewards terrorism and undermines regional security.
Australia has announced plans to officially recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, a move the government says is aimed at supporting a sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the disclosure on Monday, stating that the decision comes after a series of international consultations and commitments secured from the Palestinian Authority (PA).
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According to Albanese, the Palestinian Authority has agreed to conditions including holding democratic elections, ensuring a demilitarised state, and maintaining the recognition of Israel’s right to exist. He said the recognition is aimed at strengthening moderate voices and countering extremism.
“A two-state solution offers the clearest path towards ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and achieving lasting peace in the region,” Albanese said.
Australia’s stance aligns with similar recognitions recently made by countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand, who have expressed growing concerns over the prolonged war in Gaza and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution.
The decision is not without controversy. Israel has strongly opposed such moves, arguing that recognising Palestinian statehood at this time would effectively legitimise acts of terror carried out by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a press briefing, described the actions of countries supporting recognition as “regrettable and reckless,” accusing them of ignoring security realities.
“Imagine if such attacks happened next to your cities — would you not respond with force?” Netanyahu said, referencing the October 7 Hamas attack that claimed over 1,200 lives and led to more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza.
In response, Australia clarified that its recognition would not extend to any future state that involves Hamas in governance. Prime Minister Albanese disclosed that assurances were received from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas would have no role in the proposed state.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate. According to figures released by the health ministry in Gaza, over 61,000 people have died since Israel’s military campaign began in 2023, with 217 of those deaths attributed to starvation and malnutrition in recent days alone.
Despite growing global support for Palestinian statehood, the United States maintains its opposition, stressing that conditions are not yet ripe due to the absence of a cohesive Palestinian government. Over the weekend, US Vice-President JD Vance reiterated Washington’s stance, saying unilateral recognition could embolden terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, public sentiment in Australia appears to reflect a shift. Just days ago, tens of thousands of demonstrators turned out in Sydney, marching across the iconic Harbour Bridge in a massive pro-Palestinian rally following a court ruling that allowed the demonstration to go ahead.
Australia’s announcement comes after diplomatic engagements with world leaders from France, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand, with Albanese noting that “a rare window of opportunity” now exists for the international community to work toward a permanent solution.
Currently, 147 of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine as a sovereign state. It holds observer status at the UN, which allows for participation in debates but no voting rights.
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