Australia recognises the state of Palestine, signaling policy shift ahead of UN General Assembly
Albanese government says move supports a two-state solution; draws mixed international and domestic reaction
Australia formally recognised the state of Palestine on Sunday night, a policy shift that breaks with decades of cautious alignment in the Middle East. The move occurred as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, and follows similar steps by Britain and Canada. More than 140 UN member states already recognise Palestine, but Australia’s decision expands diplomatic recognition at a time of mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said the recognition acknowledges the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people to statehood and is part of Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution. The government said the first steps toward that outcome must include a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, with Hamas having no role in a future Palestinian state.
The move comes after Australia’s Palestinian Authority partner in the West Bank recognised Israel’s right to exist and promised elections and reforms in governance, finance and education. Australia also emphasised that ties with Arab League countries and the United States will be essential to reconstructing Gaza, ensuring Israel’s security, and advancing state-building in Palestine.
The Israeli government reacted swiftly, saying the recognition could destabilise the region and undermine prospects for a peace process. The foreign ministry stated that Israel would not accept any framework that attempts to redraw borders in ways it deems indefensible.
Within Australia, the decision drew sharp political divides. A group of Republican lawmakers in the United States warned the Australian, British and Canadian governments that the decision risked straying from long-standing U.S. policy and could invite punitive measures. In Canberra, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticised the step, arguing it lent credibility to Hamas and provided the Palestinian leadership a platform without accountability. The government noted that Albanese has not yet secured a bilateral meeting with former President Donald Trump, though the visit has produced other diplomatic engagements.
Domestically, pro-Palestinian demonstrations continued over the weekend, with activists urging the government to adopt further measures against Israel. The Gaza humanitarian crisis and broader regional conflict remain central to international diplomacy as leaders seek to balance moral, strategic and security considerations in a volatile region.