NEW YORK, NY – In a significant shift of foreign policy, the Commonwealth of Australia has officially recognised the State of Palestine as an independent and sovereign nation, effective immediately.
The landmark announcement was made today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who are currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The move places Australia alongside key allies Canada and the United Kingdom in a coordinated effort to revive the stalled Middle East peace process.
In a joint statement, the leaders declared that the recognition affirms “the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.” They framed the decision as a crucial step to build “new momentum for a two-state solution,” which they described as “the only path to enduring peace and security” for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Australian government directly linked the recognition to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, stating that the broader effort must begin with “a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages” taken during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
However, the announcement came with clear conditions. Australia emphasised that the terrorist organisation Hamas “must have no role in Palestine” and that its recognition is based on undertakings received from the Palestinian Authority (PA). According to the statement, PA President Mahmoud Abbas has reaffirmed Israel’s right to exist and committed to democratic elections and significant reforms in governance, finance, and education.
Further steps, such as establishing full diplomatic relations and opening embassies, will be contingent on the PA’s progress toward these reforms, the government said.
Australia positioned itself as part of a wider international push, citing “crucial work” to develop a credible plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, build Palestinian state capacity, and guarantee Israel’s security. The leadership of the United States and the Arab League was noted as vital to this task.
The decision marks a definitive step by the Albanese government to differentiate its Middle East policy from previous Australian administrations and aligns it with a growing number of Western nations seeking to use Palestinian recognition as a catalyst for a renewed peace process.
