Australia has formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, marking a major shift in Canberra’s foreign policy amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the recognition on Sunday, coordinating the move with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The joint action aims to revive momentum for a two-state solution, push for a ceasefire in Gaza, and secure the release of hostages taken during the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks.
Australia had signalled in August that it would join an international effort spearheaded by France, triggering strong criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warnings of possible retaliation from US President Donald Trump.
Albanese said the decision reflects Australia’s support for “the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.” He confirmed that Australia will establish an embassy and formal diplomatic relations once the Palestinian Authority fulfils reform commitments required by the international community, including recognition of Israel’s right to exist, democratic elections, and reforms to governance, finance and education.
Governments recognising Palestine have made clear that Hamas must play no role in any future Palestinian state. Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong stressed the importance of Trump’s involvement in developing a “credible peace plan” and said the White House, alongside the Arab League, could lead Gaza’s reconstruction and guarantee Israel’s security.
“Australia will continue to work with our international partners to help build on today’s act of recognition and bring the Middle East closer to the lasting peace and security that is the hope, and the right, of all humanity,” they said in a joint statement.
Trump, who strongly opposes recognition and has already threatened to retaliate against Canada, is due in New York this week. Albanese is seeking his first face-to-face meeting with the US president, despite warnings from 25 of Trump’s close allies that recognition could trigger “punitive measures” from Washington.
Israel’s government faces mounting isolation internationally over its latest offensive on Gaza City and the continued expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank. Last week, a UN independent commission of inquiry concluded that genocide is taking place in Gaza, accusing Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders of incitement to genocide — allegations Israel’s foreign ministry has categorically rejected, calling for the commission’s dissolution.
The International Court of Justice is expected to hear the case over Israel’s compliance with the genocide convention no earlier than 2027.
Netanyahu has sharply criticised Albanese, calling him a “weak” leader who has “forever tarnished” his reputation. He condemned Australia’s recognition as “appeasement” and likened it to the appeasement of Adolf Hitler before the 1938 invasion of Czechoslovakia, arguing that Hamas’ crimes must not be rewarded.
Albanese has long supported Palestinian statehood, and recognition has been a priority in the Labor Party’s platform.
Meanwhile, the White House has blocked senior Palestinian officials from travelling to the UN for talks, denying their visa applications.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley accused the government of recognising Palestine prematurely, saying key conditions had not been met. “Hamas still holds Israeli hostages from the 7 October 2023 attacks. Hamas remains in power in Gaza and continues its assaults on Israel. There is no hope of democratic self-governance for Palestinians while Hamas rules,” she said.
Source: The Guardian
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