A spokesperson for Al Jazeera reported that Australia will acknowledge the Palestinian state in September, as per the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’ announcement. He revealed this news on Monday, noting that his administration would formally acknowledge the move during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York.
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, stated during a press conference in Canberra, ‘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.’
The Australian announcement occurred following similar moves by Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, in preparation for their formal recognition of Palestine at the UNGA meeting. This move aligns with the majority of UN member states.
The announcement was made following protests in Australia against the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip, which involved hundreds of thousands of people marching across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In a press statement after the protest, Penny Wong, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed that ‘there is a risk there will be no Palestine left to recognise.’
The opposition Liberal Party critiqued the move stating that it contradicts bipartisan consensus and risks giving in to Hamas’ strategic objectives.
The Australian Greens expressed support for the move, but also called for more substantial actions on behalf of the Australian government, including sanctions and ending arms trade with Israel.
Australia’s decision to acknowledge Palestinians’ right to their state is contingent on the commitments received from the Palestinian Authority (PA). These include a reaffirmation of recognising Israel’s right to exist in peace and security and a commitment to demilitarise and hold general elections.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, also announced that his country’s cabinet will decide on the statehood of Palestine in September.
Many countries have already recognised Palestinian statehood, but the issue is complex, with a range of strongly held views within New Zealand Government, Parliament, and society, according to Peters.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/11/australia-to-recognise-palestinian-statehood-new-zealand-may-follow?traffic_source=rss
