Australia will officially recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed, citing Israel’s military actions and comments by Benjamin Netanyahu as key reasons. The decision comes amid growing international pressure to support the people of Gaza. Opposition leader Sussan Ley said the Coalition would reverse the recognition if it returned to government.
The Coalition Shadow Cabinet said it opposes the unilateral move to recognise Palestine outside international agreements. Ley and Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaela Cash stated that recognition would be revoked under a Coalition government. Ley added that the decision does not advance a two-state solution, improve humanitarian aid, support hostages, or counter Hamas, the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza. She emphasised that a future Coalition government would only recognise Palestine after a formal peace process.
Albanese said Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City influenced Australia’s recognition. The federal government stressed that recognition will depend on commitments by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, including guarantees that Hamas will not participate in future governance. Previously, the government described recognition as a matter of “when, not if.” The announcement marked a shift after Israel approved plans to occupy Gaza City. Albanese highlighted the loss of innocent lives and the international call to stop the cycle of violence as central to his decision.
Albanese criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for ignoring the humanitarian consequences of military actions. Speaking to ABC News, Albanese said Netanyahu remains “in denial” about the impact on civilians. Albanese had earlier stated that a specific timeline would not drive recognition. Weeks later, Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Australia was consulting other nations amid fears that Gaza’s population might soon face severe displacement or worse.
Public opinion in Australia has shifted sharply as Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue. Reports of hunger and malnutrition among Palestinians have fueled protests, including tens of thousands marching across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over 140 UN member states already recognise Palestine. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Australia’s decision, stating that it supports a two-state solution and the restoration of a political path to peace.
Israel has warned that recognition could harm peace efforts and obstruct the release of hostages. Ambassador Amir Maimon said it would not change conditions on the ground. Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, suggested recognition could be symbolic, allowing Israel to continue its military actions in Gaza.
The conflict escalated after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has reportedly killed over 61,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities. More than two million Palestinians face severe food insecurity, as the UN warns of widespread humanitarian crises. Australia’s move to recognise Palestinian statehood aligns it with countries including the UK, France, and Canada. Albanese stressed the decision aims to support peace and protect civilian lives while promoting a two-state solution.