Australia announces intention to recognise a Palestinian state

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at next month’s 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Countries including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have already announced their plans to formally recognise Palestine as a state in the hopes of bringing peace to the Middle East.

Albanese described the decision as part of Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution, emphasising that recognising Palestine is a diplomatic step aimed at supporting peace negotiations and addressing decades of conflict between Israel and Palestine. He stressed that recognition does not mean endorsing any acts of violence, but rather backing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

The question of Palestinian statehood has been one of the most contentious issues in international politics since the mid-20th century. While over 140 UN member states already recognise Palestine, many Western nations have delayed formal recognition, citing concerns about ongoing violence and the absence of a comprehensive peace agreement.

The shift by countries like France, the UK, Canada, and now Australia reflects growing frustration with the stagnation of peace talks and increasing calls for a renewed push towards a negotiated settlement. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in Gaza and the West Bank, where the humanitarian situation has worsened significantly in recent months.