Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday (11) that Australia will recognize the Palestinian State at the United Nations General Assembly next month.
The measure increases international pressure on Israel after similar announcements from France, Britain and Canada.
“Australia will recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September to contribute to the international impulse towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.”
Albanese told Canberra reporters that recognition would be based on the commitments Australia received from the Palestinian authority, including that the Islamic militant group Hamas would not have involvement in any future state.
“A two -state solution is the best hope of humanity to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and end the conflict, suffering and hunger in Gaza,” Albanese told a press conference.
He said he talked to Israeli award, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday (7) and told him that a political solution was necessary, not military.
Last week, Australia criticized, and Albanese stated that the decision to recognize a Palestinian state was “even more driven” by Netanyahu’s disrespect to the calls of the international community and the breach of legal and ethical obligations in Gaza.
“The Netanyahu government is extinguishing the perspective of a two -state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening to attach busy Palestinians and explicitly opposing any Palestinian state,” Albanese said in a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Palestinian authority’s commitments to reform governance, demilitarize and realize general elections, as well as the demands of the Arab League for Hamas to end its dominion in Gaza, created an opportunity, he said.
“This is an opportunity to isolate Hamas,” he added.
Wong said he informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Australia’s decision.
Last month, the US President criticized Canada’s decision to support the creation of a Palestinian state, and Rubio stated that France’s decision was reckless.
The Ambassador of Israel in Australia, Amir Maimon, criticized Australia’s decision on the social media platform X, classifying it as harmful to Israel’s safety and the derailment of hostage negotiations.
Last month, Albanese did not publicly commit to a deadline for recognition and previously proved cautious to the public opinion divided in Australia in relation to Gaza.
Tens of thousands of protesters marked the Sydney Bay Bridge this month, asking for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza as the humanitarian crisis worsened.
Albanese said on Monday that “huge concern” with devastation in Gaza came not only from international leaders but also from community members.
New Zealand said it would consider its position on the recognition of Palestine this month.
