Sydney: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September. The move marks a major policy shift and comes amid a growing international campaign for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Albanese said the recognition would not be symbolic but part of a tangible effort to advance peace. The decision is conditional on the Palestinian Authority meeting key requirements, including excluding Hamas from any role in governance, demilitarizing Gaza, holding free and fair elections, ending payments to the families of prisoners, and implementing governance reforms. The prime minister emphasized that a two-state solution offers the best hope to end violence and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The announcement follows weeks of political debate in Australia and significant public demonstrations, including a major pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney earlier this month. Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the recognition as a step toward securing a ceasefire, ensuring the release of hostages, and creating conditions for long-term peace.
Reaction to the decision has been mixed. Supporters see it as a commitment to human rights and international law, while critics, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have condemned the move as dangerous, arguing it could embolden Hamas and strain diplomatic ties. Some national security experts have warned that the decision could impact intelligence cooperation with Israel, though the government maintains that the risks are manageable.
Meanwhile, New Zealand is considering a similar step. Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed that recognition of Palestine is under review and likely to be decided in September, potentially during UN Leaders’ Week in New York. Peters said the decision would be based on a thorough assessment of political, economic, and security conditions for a viable Palestinian state.
The announcements come after the July 2025 Conference on the Two-State Solution, where several countries, including the UK, France, Canada, and Malta, pledged to recognize Palestine if certain peace conditions were met. A follow-up summit is scheduled for September 22, aimed at building consensus and setting a phased plan for the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state.
Australia’s decision signals a clear alignment with this growing international movement, while New Zealand’s review suggests further momentum in the region toward formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.