Australia to Recognize the State of Palestine at UN Assembly
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that his government will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September, following similar gestures from France and the United Kingdom, reports 24brussels.
During a press conference in Canberra, Albanese stated, “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 situation in Gaza has exceeded the world’s worst fears. Too many innocent lives have been lost.”
This decision comes after a Cabinet meeting and reflects Australia’s escalating criticism of Israeli policies regarding Gaza City. Albanese remarked, “The Israeli government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food and water to desperate people, including children.”
In recent discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other global leaders, Albanese reinforced the necessity for this recognition, aligning Australia with a growing international consensus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded defensively, labeling the shifting stance of several countries towards recognizing Palestine as “shameful.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, accompanying Albanese at the press conference, clarified that Australia would recognize Palestine when it would most effectively contribute to advancing the peace process. She highlighted September as an appropriate moment, aligning with the international community’s agreement that the ongoing conflict must end due to the resultant suffering, death, and destruction.
Amid the controversy, Australia has acknowledged rising societal divisions spurred by the conflict and has created two special roles aimed at curbing antisemitism and Islamophobia within the nation.
