CANBERRA — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly session in New York this September, calling a two-state solution “humanity’s best hope” for ending the war and suffering in Gaza.
Albanese said the decision is based on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including recognition of Israel’s right to exist peacefully, a pledge to disarm, and a plan to hold general elections. He described this as a path toward Palestinian self-determination while isolating Hamas.
The move, welcomed by the Australian Greens but condemned by Israel, has sparked political debate. Opposition leader Sussan Ley criticised recognising Palestine while Hamas remains in control of Gaza and hostages are still held.
The announcement comes after mass protests in Australia demanding stronger action against Israel, including sanctions and an arms trade ban.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said his government will decide on Palestinian recognition next month, stressing that the matter will be considered carefully in line with national interests.
Currently, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states recognise Palestinian statehood.
