Australia will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, marking a significant shift in the country’s stance on the Middle East conflict. The decision has raised concerns among the United States and Israel, which oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the move, citing the dire situation in Gaza, where over 2 million people face famine due to Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
Australia joins France and Canada in recognizing a Palestinian state, with New Zealand potentially following suit. The decision is seen as a response to growing public pressure and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
However, critics argue that the move may be driven by domestic politics, rather than a genuine desire for peace. Some believe that the recognition of a Palestinian state could be an attempt to deflect criticism over slow progress on the conflict.
The international community is watching closely as this decision sets the stage for potential reforms within the Palestinian Authority and elections. But with Hamas’s popularity at an all-time high, it remains uncertain whether the two-state solution can survive.
The recognition of Palestine also raises questions about how Israel will respond. With over 2 million people facing famine due to restrictions on aid, Netanyahu has announced a renewed military offensive in Gaza City. The situation is dire, and the international community must work towards a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250811-why-australia-risking-us-anger-recognise-state-of-palestine