Australia to recognise Palestinian State, Albanese says

World News

Australia will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly next month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Monday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during a press conference in Canberra on August 11, 2025. Image: HILARY WARDHAUGH/AFP via Getty Images

Key Takeaways

Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th UN General Assembly in September.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong say the move supports international momentum towards a two-state solution.
In a statement released Monday morning, Albanese says the recognition is tied to commitments from the Palestinian Authority on governance reform, ending prisoner payments, education changes, demilitarisation and elections.

Crucial Quote

“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,” Albanese said Monday.

Key Background

Albanese pointed out that Australia was the first country to support UN Resolution 181 in 1947, backing the creation of both Israel and a Palestinian state.

The government says it is acting now because of new commitments from the Palestinian Authority and mounting pressure on Hamas from Arab states. The announcement aligns Australia with countries such as France, Canada, and the UK, which have recently pledged recognition.

Domestically, the move follows large-scale protests, including hundreds of thousands marching across the Sydney Harbour Bridge over last weekend.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 2025/08/03: Protesters march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the rally. Thousands of protesters took part in the "March for Humanity Save Gaza," crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to call for an end to Israel's military assault on Gaza and demand immediate humanitarian aid access. The march was part of a broader movement across Australia condemning the bombardment, displacement, and civilian deaths in the besieged territory. Protesters also raised urgent concerns over the deepening food crisis, with the United Nations warning that more than a million Palestinians in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger, particularly children suffering from severe malnutrition. (Photo by Ye Myo Khant/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) — Protesters march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the rally. Thousands of protesters took part in the “March for Humanity Save Gaza,” crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to call for an end to Israel’s military assault on Gaza. Image: Getty

Big Number

77 – The number of years since Australia first backed a two-state solution at the United Nations.

Contra

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled Australia’s decision “shameful” and warned it would not alter Israel’s opposition to Palestinian statehood.

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