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Casablanca – Australia will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, describing a two-state solution as “humanity’s best hope” to end the “cycle of violence” in the Middle East.
The decision comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to end its genocide on Gaza and follows similar symbolic announcements from Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.
Read also: Trump Fumes as Canada Joins France and UK in Push to Recognize Palestinian State
Albanese said the move is conditional on commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including demilitarization, the holding of general elections, and continued recognition of “Israel’s right to exist”.
“This is an opportunity to deliver self-determination for the people of Palestine in a way that isolates Hamas, disarms it, and drives it out of the region once and for all,” Albanese told reporters, adding that the commitments from PA President Mahmoud Abbas were “detailed and significant.”
Israel condemned the decision, warning that recognizing a Palestinian state allegedly “rewards terrorism.”
Australia’s opposition Liberal Party accused the government of making the announcement while Hamas remains in Gaza and hostages from the October 7 attacks remain captive.
The Australian Greens welcomed the recognition but criticized the government for failing to take stronger action, including imposing sanctions on Israel and ending arms trade.
The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) called the move a “political fig leaf,” arguing it distracts from Australia’s “complicity in Israeli war crimes.”
Read also: Global Condemnation After Israel Approves Plan to Occupy Gaza City
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