Ankara: Australia will formally recognize an independent State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Monday. This significant policy shift was revealed during a press briefing alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong, where Albanese detailed the commitments made by the Palestinian Authority to disarm, recognize Israel, and exclude Hamas from any future governance of Palestine.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry has welcomed the Australian initiative, describing it as a 'historic and courageous' step in compliance with international law and UN resolutions. The ministry sees this move as a vital effort to achieve peace through a two-state solution. This announcement aligns with France's intention to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York, while the UK has expressed support for Palestinian recognition contingent upon certain conditions being met by Israel.
Addressing concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Albanese reiterated Australia's call for the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the desire for peace and security in the Middle East. He expressed that the protracted conflict has heightened Australians' desire for a resolution that ensures peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
In response to questions regarding the potential symbolic nature of Australia's decision and the likelihood of a US veto at the UN Security Council, Albanese described the move as a "practical contribution to build momentum" towards peace. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's skepticism that recognizing Palestine would bring peace, Albanese maintained that the situation in Gaza has escalated beyond the world's worst fears, necessitating international efforts to establish a Palestinian state and oppose actions undermining a two-state solution.
Albanese criticized the Israeli government's expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence in the West Bank, which he argued jeopardize the viability of a two-state solution. He also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Israeli government's ongoing defiance of international law by restricting humanitarian aid to the region.
Foreign Minister Wong confirmed that discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio included this decision, noting it was addressed as part of diplomatic protocol. According to US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, their talks also covered issues in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, alongside global efforts to combat antisemitism.
Albanese's announcement reflects growing support for Palestine within Australia and increasing criticism of Israeli actions since the conflict's escalation in October 2023. The Australian Federal Court recently ruled that political criticism of Israel does not inherently constitute criticism of Jewish people, distinguishing between political and ethnic issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has condemned Australia's decision, labeling it "shameful" and asserting that it will not bring peace to Israel. This reaction underscores the contentious nature of international recognition of Palestinian statehood.