Australia to Recognise Palestinian State in September at UN General Assembly

Australia has announced it will formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, joining recent moves by the UK, France, and Canada. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the recognition will take place during the UN General Assembly, following assurances from the Palestinian Authority. “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 said on Monday. Israel, facing growing international pressure to end the war in Gaza, criticised the move, claiming that recognising a Palestinian state “rewards terrorism.” Since Saturday, five people have died from starvation and malnutrition in Gaza, bringing the total to 217 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. It also reported that more than 61,000 people have been killed since Israel began its military campaign in 2023. The Israeli offensive followed the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, welcomed Australia’s decision, saying it reflects growing support for the self-determination of the Palestinian people. Albanese said the move came after receiving commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas would play no role in any future state. He also noted recent discussions with leaders from the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan.