Australia has confirmed it will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, joining a growing list of nations including the UK, France, and Canada.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed the decision came after receiving assurances from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to pursue demilitarisation, hold democratic elections, and uphold Israel’s right to exist.
“A two-state solution remains humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East, and to end the suffering and starvation in Gaza,” Albanese stated.
The announcement comes amid mounting global pressure on Israel to end its Gaza offensive, which has so far resulted in over 61,000 deaths since 2023, according to Gaza’s health authorities. In recent days, five people have reportedly died from starvation and malnutrition, raising the total famine-related deaths to 217.
Israel has rejected the move, warning that recognising Palestinian statehood “rewards terrorism.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the decision “shameful,” comparing it to how Australians would react if such an attack happened near their cities.
Australia’s recognition follows similar diplomatic steps by Spain, Ireland, and Norway last year, with the aim of boosting peace efforts. Today, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states officially recognise Palestine, which currently holds “permanent observer state” status at the UN — granting participation but not voting rights.