Australia will officially recognize Palestinian statehood at next month's United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared Monday, a diplomatic maneuver that intensifies international pressure on Israel following comparable declarations from France, Britain, and Canada.
BREAKING🚨Australia just recognised Palestine!!!
The protest worked. So proud to have been there! pic.twitter.com/M64F1n2YKN
— Syrian Girl (@Partisangirl) August 11, 2025
"Australia will recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Sessions of the United Nations General Assembly in September, to contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages," Albanese stated in an official announcement, according to Reuters.
The Australian leader informed reporters in Canberra that recognition hinges on commitments Australia secured from the Palestinian Authority, including that terrorist group Hamas would have no participation in any future Palestinian government.
"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," Albanese declared during a press conference.
Albanese revealed he contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and conveyed that a political resolution was necessary rather than a military approach. Australia condemned Israel's strategy to assume military authority over Gaza last week, with Albanese explaining that the decision to recognize Palestinian statehood was "further compelled" by Netanyahu's dismissal of international community appeals and failure to meet legal and ethical responsibilities in Gaza.
"The Netanyahu Government is extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and explicitly opposing any Palestinian state," Albanese declared in the joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Reuters reported.
Commitments by the Palestinian Authority to restructure governance, demilitarize, and conduct general elections, combined with Arab League requirements for Hamas to terminate its control in Gaza, established an opportunity, Albanese explained. "This is an opportunity to isolate Hamas," he added.
Wong confirmed she had briefed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Australia's decision. US President Donald Trump criticized Canada's decision to support Palestinian statehood last month, while Rubio characterized France's decision as reckless.
Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, condemned Australia's announcement on social media platform X as undermining Israel's security and derailing hostage negotiations, according to Reuters.
Last month, Albanese declined to publicly establish a timeline for recognition and had previously remained cautious about divided public opinion in Australia concerning Gaza.
Pro-Palestinians in Australia are chanting, "Death to Australia."
Australian PM Albanese decided to appease these Islamists by recognizing "Palestine."
pic.twitter.com/0VwTytTqpL— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) August 11, 2025
Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Sydney's Harbour Bridge this month, demanding aid deliveries in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis intensified. Albanese stated Monday that "massive concern" over the devastation in Gaza originated not just from international leaders but community members.
New Zealand announced it would evaluate its position on Palestine recognition this month.
