Australia to Recognize Palestinian State in September
PM Albanese Cites Two-State Solution as Path to Peace
Australia is set to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly this September. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision, aligning Australia with European nations and signaling a potential shift in international recognition.
Commitments Pave Way for Recognition
Albanese stated that the Australian government received assurances from the Palestinian Authority, including commitments to demilitarization, holding general elections, and continuing to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist. This move, he emphasized, is crucial for breaking the cycle of violence in the Middle East.
“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,”
—Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia
Israel Critiques Move as Rewarding Terrorism
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeling recognition of a Palestinian state as rewarding terrorism. He expressed disappointment and called the move “shameful,” drawing a parallel to Australia’s hypothetical reaction to an attack near its major cities.
“To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole… it is disappointing – and I think it’s actually shameful,”
—Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
“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.”
—Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Worsens Amidst Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to have devastating humanitarian consequences. Since Saturday, the Hamas-run health ministry reports five additional deaths attributed to starvation and malnutrition, bringing the total to 217. The ministry also claims over 61,000 fatalities have resulted from Israel’s military campaign since October 2023, launched in response to Hamas’s October 7th attack.
The United States maintains its position against recognizing a Palestinian state at this time, with Vice President JD Vance reiterating concerns that such a move could be seen as rewarding Hamas and citing a lack of a functional governing body. This contrasts with recent recognitions by Spain, Ireland, and Norway in the past year, which aimed to spur a ceasefire.
International Diplomatic Engagements
Albanese revealed that the decision followed recent discussions with leaders from the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan. He expressed optimism about seizing a “moment of opportunity” through international cooperation. Meanwhile, a large pro-Palestinian demonstration in Sydney last Sunday saw tens of thousands march across the Harbour Bridge, following a court’s permission for the event.
The state of Palestine is currently recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states, holding “permanent observer state” status without voting rights.
