Australia backs Palestine at UN as Albanese touts two-state path amid US pushback

Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, used the United Nations General Assembly to defend Canberra’s recognition of Palestine as a state and to press for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. His UN address came a day after Australia formally recognized Palestine, a move that places Canberra alongside Britain, Canada and Portugal, with other Western allies also signaling similar steps. The applause from world leaders at the gathering stood in contrast to explicit friction voiced by the White House on the matter.

Canberra’s decision has already shifted the diplomatic landscape, with France and others expected to consider formal recognition in the coming months. Albanese noted that Australia’s stance was conditioned on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, reaffirming Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, and requiring Hamas to turn over weapons to Palestinian security forces and relinquish control of Gaza. He said Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future and argued that recognizing Palestinian statehood should be tied to security assurances and concrete steps toward de-escalation.

In his remarks at the UN, Albanese also credited broader regional support, pointing to the Arab League’s engagement as strengthening the push for a sustainable two-state solution. He framed self-determination for the Palestinian people as more than a seat at the table—it's about real opportunity for a homeland within a secure regional order. He urged Israel to accept shared responsibility for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians have suffered widespread casualties and aid deliveries have been hampered amid ongoing fighting and restrictions.

Albanese highlighted ongoing concerns about West Bank settlement expansion and settler violence, arguing that such steps undermine prospects for peace and threaten any future Palestinian state with permanent displacement. He called for a durable disarmament framework that would remove Hamas from influence over Gaza, while safeguarding the rights and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.

The response from the White House was immediate and critical. Officials described Australia’s move as “more talk and not enough action” from some allies, signaling a wary stance toward unilateral steps that may complicate or delay measurable progress on the ground. The conversation in New York also touched on bilateral diplomacy, with Albanese scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the conference, where Middle East issues were expected to feature prominently.

While there was no confirmed face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, White House aides cited Trump’s tightly scheduled agenda in New York as the reason for the lack of direct engagement. The absence of a direct engagement with the Australian leader underscored the broader friction surrounding the timing and implications of recognizing a Palestinian state ahead of a broader peace process.

Ahead of the address, Albanese and his team held talks with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, underscoring Canberra’s intent to align its policy with multilateral efforts to advance a two-state framework. The discussions reflected an effort to bridge divergent international perspectives and to position Australia as a participant in the evolving diplomacy around the conflict.

The developments unfold against a backdrop of ongoing violence, humanitarian concerns and disputed sovereignty claims. Officials and analysts cautioned that recognition alone does not resolve the core disputes or ensure stability in Gaza and the West Bank, where access to humanitarian aid, protection of civilians and a viable political path remain central challenges. The UN and allied governments have urged restraint and urged both sides to pursue steps that could relieve humanitarian distress while safeguarding civilians.

Observers say Australia’s move marks a notable shift in associates’ stances toward Palestine, potentially prompting other nations to follow or recalibrate their diplomacy in the region. Yet the path to a durable peace remains fragile, dependent on security arrangements, the disarmament of armed groups, and the willingness of Israel and Palestinian authorities to engage in negotiations that address mutual recognition, borders, security and the rights of refugees. As world leaders weigh the implications, the next phase will involve more intensive diplomacy and monitoring of commitments on the ground, with Canadian, French and European discussions anticipated to influence the momentum of a two-state solution in the coming months.