Australia will officially recognize the State of Palestine, a significant foreign policy shift announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on August 11, 2025. This recognition is slated to be formalized during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, aligning Australia with a growing international movement toward a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that Australia's decision is contingent upon specific commitments from the Palestinian Authority. These crucial conditions include the exclusion of Hamas from future governance, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the holding of general elections. Albanese articulated that a two-state solution remains the most viable path to de-escalate the violence and alleviate the suffering in the Middle East. This move by Australia follows similar intentions expressed by leaders in France and the United Kingdom, with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer also indicating their plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly. These coordinated efforts aim to build momentum for a two-state resolution.
The announcement arrives in the wake of escalating international pressure to end the conflict in Gaza. Notably, on August 3, 2025, a massive protest saw hundreds of thousands of Australians march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, calling for an end to the hostilities and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The scale of this demonstration underscored a growing public sentiment within Australia.
This decision marks a notable evolution in Australia's foreign policy. In November 2024, Australia had already signaled a shift by voting in favor of recognizing the "permanent sovereignty" of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This earlier vote represented a departure from its previous stance on the issue. However, the United States has voiced its opposition to these developments. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticized the recognition of Palestinian statehood, suggesting it could inadvertently reward Hamas and impede efforts to secure a ceasefire. Prime Minister Albanese, while acknowledging the U.S. role in the region, maintained that Australia's decision is a sovereign one, made independently.
The international community's response has been varied. While many nations, including 147 UN member states, already recognize Palestine, some, like Israel, have expressed strong disapproval. Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, stated that the move undermines Israel's security and rewards terrorism. Conversely, Palestinian groups have welcomed the announcement as a principled step, though they emphasize the need for concrete actions to alleviate suffering on the ground. The implications of Australia's recognition are expected to be considerable, influencing international relations and the ongoing pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision is seen by supporters as a crucial step in building momentum for a two-state solution, while critics argue it is premature and could complicate existing peace efforts.