Australia Formally Recognizes palestinian State as Trump Campaigns in Arizona
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA/PHOENIX, ARIZONA – australia’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state took effect Sunday, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy and joining a growing international movement acknowledging Palestinian statehood. The move comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Arizona to attend a memorial service for former Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s father, adding a political dimension to the weekend’s events.
Australia joins 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations in recognizing Palestine, according to Bloomberg. The decision, while largely symbolic, reflects increasing international pressure on Israel and a renewed focus on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine’s UN ambassador, Riyad Mansour, described the recognitions from the UK, Canada, Australia, and portugal as “historic,” and is now calling for stronger punitive measures against the Israeli government.
Mansour, speaking to Al Jazeera, emphasized that diplomatic recognition must be coupled with concrete actions, including halting arms sales to Israel, implementing sanctions, and severing diplomatic and economic ties. He argued these steps are necessary to end ongoing violations and push for a lasting peace.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, Trump attended a memorial service for the father of Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party to become an self-reliant. the visit provides Trump with an opportunity to campaign in a key swing state ahead of the November election, though the event’s primary focus remains a personal tribute.
The developments occur against a backdrop of escalating violence in Gaza, where overnight Israeli attacks have reportedly killed at least 68 people, according to reports from medical authorities. The ongoing conflict continues to fuel international calls for a ceasefire and a resolution to the decades-long dispute.
