Australia to recognise Palestinian state at UN in September – Albanese

Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, aligning Canberra with recent moves by the UK, France, and Canada.

Albanese said the decision followed assurances from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to demilitarise, hold general elections, and continue recognising Israel’s right to exist.

“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,” the prime minister said.

The announcement comes as Israel faces growing international pressure to halt its military campaign in Gaza, now in its tenth month. The Israeli government condemned the decision, warning that recognising a Palestinian state “rewards terrorism” and undermines efforts to defeat Hamas.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen. Since Saturday, five people — including children — have died from starvation and malnutrition, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

This brings the total death toll from hunger-related causes to 217 since the war began.

Diplomatic observers say Canberra’s shift marks a significant step in Australia’s Middle East policy, which has historically been cautious on the question of Palestinian statehood.

The move will be closely watched in Washington, where the Biden administration has urged a renewed push for a political resolution, but has stopped short of recognising Palestine at the UN.

Albanese stressed that recognition would be accompanied by “robust engagement” to ensure the PA’s commitments are met, describing the decision as “both principled and pragmatic” in the pursuit of lasting peace.