Australia joins global allies in supporting Palestinian statehood, urging peace while Israel condemns move as reward for terrorism
Australia joins global allies in supporting Palestinian statehood, urging peace while Israel condemns move as reward for terrorism
Australia will formally support the recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly this September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed, aligning the country with growing international momentum toward a two-state solution.
Albanese said the decision followed a series of assurances from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including a commitment to demilitarisation, holding democratic elections, and continuing to recognise Israel’s right to exist. Crucially, he said President Mahmoud Abbas had pledged 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 places Australia alongside the UK, France, Canada, and others who have recently shifted toward supporting Palestinian statehood, a significant political stance amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel, however, sharply criticised the decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the growing recognition of Palestine as “shameful” and a reward for the October 7 Hamas-led assault, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 250 taken hostage. “Imagine if Melbourne or Sydney experienced such an attack you would do at least what we’re doing,” he said.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, five more people have died from starvation since Saturday, raising the total number of malnutrition-related deaths to 217.
Overall, more than 61,000 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its military campaign in late 2023.
Australia’s decision follows discussions between Albanese and leaders in New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and France. It also comes in the wake of a major pro-Palestinian demonstration in Sydney, where tens of thousands marched across the Harbour Bridge after a court allowed the protest to go ahead.
While many countries are shifting their stance, the United States remains firm in its opposition. Vice-President JD Vance stated over the weekend that Washington will not support Palestinian statehood, citing the absence of a stable and functional Palestinian government and expressing concern about legitimising Hamas.
Israel has also drawn recent criticism for its plans to retake Gaza City, a move that has triggered condemnation from UN ambassadors. Netanyahu insists the operation is necessary to end the war.
Currently, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states recognise the State of Palestine, which holds the status of a permanent observer at the UN. This allows it to participate in debates but not to vote.
Australia’s recognition adds to a growing international push for Palestinian self-determination, and Albanese’s government hopes the move will help lay groundwork for a lasting peace in the region.
Easily access major global news with a strong focus on Africa. As well as the main stories of the day, we like to accentuate positive stories about Africa across all genres including Politics, Business, Commerce, Science, Sports, Arts & Culture, Showbiz and Fashion.
We broadcast 24 hours a day from our studios in London and New York and can be seen here in the UK and across Europe on the Sky platform (Sky channel 516), Freeview (Channel 136) as well as in the USA on the Centric channel and also on the Hot bird platform, which transmits to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.