Australia to Recognize Palestinian Statehood at UN Next Month

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Monday that his government will formally recognize Palestinian statehood during next month’s United Nations General Assembly a move that places Canberra at odds with Israel and in step with a growing list of European nations.

Albanese said the recognition would be based on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including the demilitarization of Gaza and holding elections without any role for Hamas. The Islamist group, designated a terrorist organization by Australia, has ruled Gaza since violently seizing control in 2007.

“This is an opportunity to deliver self-determination for the people of Palestine in a way that isolates Hamas, disarms it, and drives it out of the region once and for all,” Albanese said, adding that the recognition aims to turn the “right of Palestinian statehood” into a political reality.

The Australian leader framed the move as a humanitarian imperative, describing a two-state solution as “humanity’s best hope” for ending the cycle of violence in the Middle East. He accused the Israeli government of ignoring international law and blocking sufficient aid, food, and water to Gaza allegations Israel strongly disputes.

Key points of the announcement:

• Palestinian Authority pledged no role for Hamas in future governance.

• Gaza to be demilitarized under recognition conditions.

• Australia joins France, Britain, and Canada in recent pushes toward recognition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted Australia’s plan, calling it “shameful” and accusing Western nations of rewarding terrorism. Jerusalem argues that premature recognition undermines the Palestinian Authority while emboldening extremists.

Nearly 150 of the UN’s 193 member states already recognize Palestine, many of them for decades. The U.S. and several other Western allies have resisted, maintaining that recognition should be the final step in a negotiated peace process not a starting point.

The 2025 UN General Assembly opens September 9 and runs through September 25, where Australia is expected to cast its vote in favor of Palestinian statehood. The move will likely deepen diplomatic rifts between Canberra and Jerusalem while energizing debates over whether recognition promotes peace or simply entrenches division in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to keep the discussion going.