Australia’s Government Plans Diplomatic Recognition of Palestinian State


Australia to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Growing Global Shift

Australia announced on Monday that it intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state, aligning itself with a growing number of Western nations rethinking their stance as Israel faces increasing international isolation over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government plans to make the recognition official during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York next month.

“A two-state solution remains humanity’s best hope to end the ongoing violence in the Middle East,” Albanese stated at a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Canberra. “It’s the path to ending the suffering and starvation in Gaza and achieving lasting peace in the region.”

Australia’s move follows similar declarations in recent weeks from other Western countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. While largely symbolic, these recognitions mark a significant diplomatic shift and growing frustration with Israel’s actions in Gaza, where aid organizations and the United Nations report that civilians are dying due to starvation and a lack of humanitarian access.

Albanese emphasized that Australia’s position is contingent on specific commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including assurances that Hamas will have no role in a future Palestinian government.

The Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s support for Israel’s right to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages believed to still be held in Gaza, around 20 of whom are thought to be alive.

“For the families enduring this nightmare, we renew our call for their immediate release,” he said.

New Zealand also announced on Monday that it is actively considering recognizing a Palestinian state, with a final decision expected in September. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the move is not a question of “if,” but “when.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the trend, expressing strong opposition to Australia’s and other Western countries’ positions during a news conference on Sunday.

“To have European nations and now Australia fall for this false narrative is not only disappointing—it’s shameful,” Netanyahu said.

He also defended his government’s proposed military offensive in Gaza, a plan widely condemned by humanitarian organizations. Critics argue it could deepen the crisis in the enclave and put remaining hostages at even greater risk.

Netanyahu insisted that Israel must press forward to “finish the job” and eliminate Hamas, stating that the offensive is necessary to secure the release of the hostages and ensure long-term security.

He also rejected international claims of widespread starvation in Gaza—a statement directly contradicted by United Nations officials. During an emergency Security Council briefing on Sunday, U.N. humanitarian coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham stated bluntly: “This is no longer a looming hunger crisis—this is starvation, pure and simple.”

Source

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top