Australia will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, in a move the Albanese Government claims will boost momentum for a two-state solution. 

‘A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza.’

The decision is conditional on commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to undertake governance reforms, end prisoner payments, demilitarise, hold elections, and recognise Israel’s right to exist; the government says there can be no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Palestinian Authority had agreed to Australia’s conditions of recognition.

By making the pledge, Australia aligns with the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, allies who have all pledged recognition of Palestine. Regionally, the shift brings Australia into line with many Southeast Asian neighbours that have long recognised Palestine, while placing it at odds with several Pacific states that remain aligned with the US and Israel.