Australia to Formally Recognise Palestinian State
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his country will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, joining a growing number of Western nations. The decision is contingent on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including no role for Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza. Albanese described the move as a practical contribution to a two-state solution amid the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza. The announcement drew criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Unpacked:
According to the government, Australia ties recognition to PA commitments: governance reforms, ending prisoner payments, schooling reform, demilitarisation (including no role for Hamas), holding general elections, and reaffirming Israel’s right to exist.
Australia backed UN Resolution 181 in 1947 for two states and supported Israel’s existence while endorsing a two‑state solution over decades; it voted in 2012 to grant Palestine UN non‑member observer status and maintained a representative office in Ramallah since 2000.
Recognition itself doesn’t create state institutions or borders, but Canberra says it aims to build momentum for a ceasefire, hostage release, governance and security arrangements for Palestine, and Israel’s security, in coordination with partners and PA reforms.
The Australian statement accuses the Netanyahu government of expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation, and opposing any Palestinian state, arguing this extinguishes a two‑state solution—positions that underpin Israeli criticism of recognition efforts.