Albanese accuses Netanyahu of ‘denial’ as Australia moves to recognise Palestinian state

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu of being “in denial” over the consequences of the war in Gaza, as Canberra prepares to formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

The announcement, made on Monday, follows similar moves by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, signalling a growing diplomatic shift among Israel’s Western allies.

Albanese said the decision reflected both international momentum and mounting frustration with the Israeli government’s handling of the conflict.

“Australians want to see the killing and the cycle of violence stop,” the prime minister told reporters.

“Our decision is driven by the belief that a two-state solution is essential to breaking this cycle, and that Israel’s current course of action is only deepening the crisis.”

The move comes as Israel faces intensifying international pressure to end its military campaign in Gaza. Humanitarian organisations and UN agencies have warned of severe shortages of food, medicine, and other basic supplies in the besieged territory, with reports of starvation adding to the condemnation.

Netanyahu’s government reacted sharply to Canberra’s announcement, accusing its allies of undermining Israel’s security. In a statement, the Israeli prime minister called the recognition of Palestinian statehood “shameful” and claimed it “rewards terrorism” in the wake of attacks by Hamas.

Albanese rejected that characterisation, saying the recognition was “not about rewarding anyone — it’s about charting a path to peace.”

He accused Netanyahu of ignoring the human cost of the conflict, warning that without meaningful change, “the violence will continue for generations.”

The September UN session is expected to be a flashpoint in the debate over Palestinian statehood, with several other nations reportedly weighing similar moves.

For Australia, the decision marks a significant shift in its Middle East policy and places it firmly among a growing bloc of countries advocating for formal recognition as a step toward renewed negotiations.