Australia is to Recognize Palestinian State at United Nations General Assembly in September

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday morning that Australia will formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. The move follows a wave of similar announcements from several countries and signals growing international pressure on Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

“We will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September,” Albanese declared. “The declaration will be based on a commitment from the Palestinian Authority. We discussed this with the leaders of Japan, Britain, and also with Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

The Australian leader added that the situation in the Gaza Strip has escalated beyond global fears, accusing Israel of continuing violations of international law.

“It is time to grant the Palestinian people their right to self-determination. Hamas has no future in a Palestinian state,” he added.

New Zealand Joins the Debate

Shortly after the Australian announcement, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said that his country is considering similar recognition.

“We are considering this recognition. We will make a decision in September during a cabinet meeting that we will hold,” said Peters.

Wave of Global Recognitions

Australia’s decision follows a trend of countries shifting their stance on Palestinian statehood, particularly in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 7.

• France became the first Western country to formally recognize a Palestinian state on July 24.

• Since then, four additional European Union member states and six non-EU countries have followed suit.

• Currently, 12 out of 27 EU member states (44%) recognize a Palestinian state.

Meanwhile, key Israeli allies such as the United States, Germany, and Britain have not extended recognition, though some, including Britain and the Netherlands, have issued warnings or signaled openness to reconsidering their stance.

Diplomatic Shift

The announcements reflect a significant diplomatic shift and growing international frustration over the prolonged conflict in Gaza and the perceived stagnation of peace efforts.

With the UN General Assembly approaching in September, the recognition of a Palestinian state is expected to be a focal point of global diplomacy, likely triggering both support and sharp opposition within the international community.