Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that his country will recognize a Palestinian state in September, joining a growing list of Western allies as international condemnation builds over Israel’s actions in Gaza. This move is part of a broader trend among Western nations to acknowledge the right of the Palestinian people to self-governance.
The recognition will be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly next month, where Australia will commit to supporting the Palestinian Authority and working towards a two-state solution. Other countries, including Canada, France, and the UK, have already announced plans to recognize Palestine in September.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said his country was considering similar recognition, but would make a decision at a cabinet meeting later this month. The move has sparked criticism from former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who accused Luxon of not moving quickly enough.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with US Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio on Sunday to discuss the impending announcement. However, Rubio had previously stated that declarations of support for a Palestinian state were “largely symbolic” and only emboldened Hamas.
The recognition is seen as an opportunity for Australia to contribute to momentum towards a two-state solution, which is considered the best hope for breaking the cycle of violence in the Middle East. The UN has warned that starvation is unfolding in Gaza, with over 98 children dying from severe acute malnutrition since October last year.
As international pressure mounts, Israel faces growing global condemnation over its conduct in Gaza, with large protests breaking out in cities around the world. The recognition of Palestine by Western nations is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/11/australia/australia-palestinian-state-september-intl-hnk