Australia will support Palestinian statehood at the UN, pointing to the two-state solution as a means of achieving peace
Australia urges peace and supports Palestinian statehood alongside its international partners, while Israel denounces the decision as a reward for terrorism.
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australia will publicly support the recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this September, joining the growing global movement for a two-state solution.
According to Albanese, the decision came after the PA made a number of promises, such as a pledge to demilitarize, hold free and fair elections, and uphold Israel’s right to exist. He emphasized that President Mahmoud Abbas had promised that Hamas would not be involved in any Palestinian government in the future.
“The best chance for humanity to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East is a two-state solution,” Albanese stated. “Australia will collaborate with the international community to take advantage of this moment of opportunity.”
In light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the decision places Australia alongside the UK, France, Canada, and other nations that have lately changed their political positions in favor of Palestinian statehood.
However, Israel harshly criticized the ruling. The increasing recognition of Palestine, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is “shameful” and a reward for the October 7 Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took over 250 hostage. “Just think of what you would do if there was an attack like that in Sydney or Melbourne,” he said.
Gaza’s humanitarian situation keeps becoming worse. Since Saturday, five more individuals have perished from famine, bringing the total number of deaths from malnutrition to 217, according to the health ministry operated by Hamas.
Since Israel began its military operation in late 2023, over 61,000 people have reportedly died in Gaza.
Following talks between Albanese and leaders of New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and France, Australia made its decision. Tens of thousands marched across the Harbour Bridge in Sydney as part of a large-scale pro-Palestinian rally that was permitted by a court.
The United States is steadfast in its resistance, even though many other nations are changing their positions. Over the weekend, Vice-President JD Vance declared that Washington will not back Palestinian statehood, citing the lack of a stable and effective Palestinian government and voicing concerns about giving Hamas legitimacy.
Additionally, Israel has recently come under fire for its intentions to reclaim Gaza City, a decision that UN ambassadors have condemned. Netanyahu maintains that the operation is required to bring the war to a close.
The State of Palestine currently has the status of a permanent observer at the UN, with recognition from 147 of the 193 member states. This enables it to take part in discussions but not to cast a ballot.
Australia’s acknowledgement contributes to the increasing global movement for Palestinian autonomy, and Albanese’s administration thinks the action will help establish a long-term peace in the area.
