Islamabad, Aug 11, 2025: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday announced that Australia will recognize Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September. Standing alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said the Palestinian Authority has agreed to disarmament, recognition of Israel and excluding Hamas from any future government, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Earlier speculation suggested Canberra was still considering the timing, but the Cabinet has now officially endorsed the move. When asked if the decision might encourage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu military actions in Gaza, Albanese said he had voiced his concerns directly to Netanyahu about Israel ongoing offensive.
Albanese stressed that Australians want the violence to end, calling for both the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire. “This conflict, which has gone on for such a long period of time, I think Australians want to see an end to it. And an end to it can only be secured when both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security,” he said.
France has also pledged to back recognition of Palestine at the September UN Assembly in New York while the U.K. has said it will support recognition if Israel fails to meet certain conditions.
READ MORE: France to Recognize Palestine in September
Responding to claims that Australia decision is symbolic, Albanese argued it is a practical step to build global momentum. He warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has surpassed the world’s worst fears, while Israel expansion of settlements, settler violence and threats of annexation risk putting a two-state solution out of reach for a generation.
He added that Israel continues to block adequate humanitarian aid to Gaza in violation of international law.
Foreign Minister Wong confirmed she informed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the move as a diplomatic courtesy. Netanyahu, however, condemned Australia recognition plan as “shameful,” insisting it would not bring peace.
