Australia to officially recognise Palestinian state next month

Australia will join a growing number of countries formally recognising Palestine as a state, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, with the formal declaration expected at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

The move aligns Australia with countries like the UK, France, and Canada, which have signalled similar intentions.

Prime Minister Albanese said the decision followed direct assurances from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including commitments to demilitarise Palestinian territories, hold general elections, and maintain recognition of Israel’s right to exist.

"A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," BBC quoted the Israeli Premier as saying on Monday.

Read: Trump, Netanyahu slam Canada’s decision to recognise Palestinian state

However, Israel strongly condemned the decision, saying it "rewards terrorism". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised Australia and other nations for recognising Palestinian statehood, especially while the war in Gaza continues.

"To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole… it is disappointing - and I think it's actually shameful," Netanyahu said.

"They know what they would do if, right next to Melbourne or right next to Sydney, you had this horrific attack. I think you would do at least what we're doing." 

The Palestinian Authority (PA) welcomed Australia's decision, saying it reflects growing international backing for Palestinian self-determination. President Mahmoud Abbas assured the Australian government that Hamas would have no role in any future Palestinian state.

Read: UK plans to recognise Palestinian state in September

Albanese stated that the shift in policy followed consultations with his counterparts in the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan.

"There is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it," he told the media.

Australia’s move follows large-scale public support, including a pro-Palestinian protest last Sunday that saw tens of thousands march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The demonstration occurred after a court ruling upheld the protesters’ right to assemble.

Despite growing international momentum for Palestinian statehood, the United States maintains its opposition. Vice-President JD Vance said the US has no plans to recognise Palestine, citing the lack of a functional government and arguing that such a move would reward Hamas.

Since Saturday, five more people have reportedly died from starvation and malnutrition in Gaza, bringing the total death toll from hunger-related causes to 217, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The ministry also reports over 61,000 deaths from Israel’s military campaign since October 2023.