CANBERRA, Australia – Australia will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, joining a growing list of Western nations backing Palestinian statehood despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday the decision followed assurances from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that a future Palestinian state would be demilitarized, hold general elections, and continue to recognise Israel’s right to exist. Hamas, he added, would play no role in the envisioned state.
“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 told reporters.
The move comes after consultations with leaders from the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan, and follows similar recognition by the UK, France and Canada earlier this year.
Israel, under growing international pressure to end its military campaign in Gaza, condemned the decision, saying it “rewards terrorism.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused countries recognizing Palestinian statehood of ignoring the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.
“To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole… it is disappointing — and I think it’s actually shameful,” Netanyahu said.
Since the war began, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 61,000 people have been killed, with at least 217 deaths caused by starvation and malnutrition.
The UN has criticized Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City, which Netanyahu insists is the “best way” to end the war.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed Canberra’s decision, saying it reflects growing global support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Australia’s announcement comes as pro-Palestinian protests swell across the country, including a march of tens of thousands across Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, a day after a court cleared the way for the rally.
While 147 of the UN’s 193 member states already recognise Palestine, it currently holds only “permanent observer state” status at the UN — allowing participation in debates but no voting rights.
The United States has made clear it will not follow Australia’s lead.
Vice-President JD Vance reiterated Washington’s stance over the weekend, saying Palestinian statehood recognition now would be “rewarding Hamas” and pointing to what he called the absence of a functional Palestinian government.
