Australia is set to formally recognise the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, August 11, 2025, aligning his country with a growing number of Western nations that have recently declared their intention to take the same step. The move places Australia alongside France, Britain, and Canada in signalling support for Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
The announcement comes after weeks of internal pressure from members of Albanese’s Cabinet, along with growing calls from civil society and advocacy groups across Australia to take a clear stance on the matter. This shift in policy is also influenced by mounting criticism from within the government regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where widespread famine and civilian suffering have drawn global condemnation.
A Clear Stand on Palestinian Statehood
Speaking to reporters, Albanese stated that the recognition will be brought forward at the UN General Assembly next month, describing it as a step toward a lasting resolution to the decades-long conflict.
“Until both Israeli and Palestinian statehood are fully realised, any peace achieved will remain fragile,” Albanese said. “Australia will recognise the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own.”
The Prime Minister clarified that this recognition would be tied to assurances from the Palestinian Authority regarding governance, stability, and a commitment to the peace process.
Albanese also voiced deep concern over the worsening situation in Gaza, accusing Israel of ignoring international law. He emphasised that the humanitarian conditions have gone beyond what the world had feared, with starvation, displacement, and relentless military strikes devastating civilian life.
His centre-left government has consistently backed a two-state solution, reaffirming both Israel’s right to exist within secure borders and the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
A Growing International Shift
Australia’s decision follows a wave of similar announcements from major allies in recent weeks. In July, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France will push for official recognition of Palestine during the September UNGA session. His declaration came amid mounting pressure from French lawmakers, humanitarian organisations, and public opinion calling for an end to what many see as double standards in addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Soon after Macron’s statement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing significant political and public pressure at home, also committed to recognising Palestine at the UN gathering—provided that Israel takes steps to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and moves towards a ceasefire agreement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the growing list of leaders days later, declaring that Canada would recognise Palestine in line with its longstanding support for a two-state framework. Carney said the decision was rooted in Canada’s commitment to peace, human rights, and international law.
With Australia’s announcement, momentum appears to be building for a significant shift in international diplomacy on the Palestinian question. Many analysts suggest that coordinated recognition by multiple influential nations could increase pressure on Israel and its allies to reconsider their current stance on the conflict.
Netanyahu’s Firm Rejection
The move, however, has sparked sharp criticism from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition plans of Australia and other countries, arguing that such decisions effectively reward Hamas and undermine prospects for peace.
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Netanyahu insisted that most Israelis oppose the creation of a Palestinian state, believing it would lead to increased violence rather than stability. He claimed that the international push for recognition ignores Israel’s security concerns and plays into the hands of groups hostile to its existence.
“To see European countries and now Australia willingly step into that trap is disappointing—frankly, it’s shameful,” Netanyahu said. “But it will not alter our position. As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state.”
Netanyahu’s comments came as thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv, not in support of his stance, but in protest against his plan for an expanded military offensive in Gaza. The operation, announced just days earlier, aims to escalate what critics describe as an already devastating campaign that has lasted nearly two years.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to draw international alarm. Reports from aid agencies indicate that food supplies are critically low, medical facilities are overwhelmed, and large areas of the territory have been reduced to rubble. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the risk of mass starvation and further civilian casualties if the fighting intensifies.
Albanese pointed to these conditions as a driving factor behind Australia’s decision, stating that the global community cannot remain passive while the situation deteriorates. “We must not allow the principles of international law to be disregarded without consequence,” he said.
A Two-State Solution as the Path Forward
While acknowledging the complexities of the conflict, Albanese reiterated his belief that the two-state solution remains the most viable path to peace. This vision includes a secure Israel living alongside an independent Palestine, with mutually agreed borders and guarantees for the rights and safety of both peoples.
For Australia, he added, recognition of Palestine is not an endorsement of any one political faction but a recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to sovereignty and dignity. “Peace can only be built on the foundation of equality and mutual respect,” he said.
Looking Ahead to the UNGA
With the UN General Assembly session just weeks away, the issue of Palestinian recognition is expected to dominate discussions. Diplomats suggest that a coordinated move by countries like France, the UK, Canada, and Australia could spark a broader debate within the UN, potentially influencing the positions of other member states.
However, the initiative faces opposition from Israel, the United States, and a handful of other countries that maintain recognition should only follow a negotiated peace agreement. This divide ensures that the September session will be a pivotal moment in the ongoing diplomatic battle over the future of Palestine.
For now, Australia’s decision marks a significant departure from its previous cautious approach to the issue. Whether this will lead to tangible progress on the ground remains uncertain, but it signals a clear message from Canberra: the status quo is no longer acceptable.
