Australia Set to Recognise Palestine at UN Assembly in September

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Albanese stressed that any peace agreement in the Middle East will remain fragile until Palestinians achieve permanent statehood. "Australia acknowledges the right of the Palestinian people to a nation of their own," he said, adding that this recognition will be contingent on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to the peace process.

The prime minister also described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as having exceeded global fears, accusing Israel of defying international law. His government has consistently backed a two-state solution - affirming both Israel's right to secure borders and Palestinians' right to self-determination.

Australia's move comes after similar pledges from France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, all signalling they will make official declarations of recognition at September's UNGA session.

Growing Momentum for Recognition

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed in July that France will support Palestinian statehood in September. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer followed days later under mounting public pressure, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his government's decision soon after, calling it a reaffirmation of Canada's commitment to a negotiated two-state settlement.

Israel Pushes Back

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the wave of recognition pledges, arguing that they effectively reward Hamas and undermine security. Netanyahu insisted that most Israelis oppose a Palestinian state, claiming it would fuel conflict rather than resolve it. He reiterated his longstanding position that such a state will never be established while he remains in office.