Australia is not immediately following the UK’s lead in recognizing Palestine but has taken a step closer to doing so by endorsing a joint international statement.
Alongside 14 other countries—some of which already recognize Palestine—Australia welcomed commitments made by the Palestinian Authority (PA), including pledges in June to disarm Hamas, release hostages, and hold elections within a year. These steps align with key conditions recently outlined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Speaking on Wednesday, Prime Minister Albanese described the PA’s commitments as “a very significant step forward” and said he remains in discussions with international partners. However, he emphasized that no timeline for recognition had been set, reiterating that the priority is achieving the conditions necessary for a two-state solution, not making symbolic declarations.
The UK has announced plans to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, unless Israel takes substantial steps to end the conflict in Gaza. This comes amid reports that Australia has been consulting allies and may move in coordination on the issue.
Labor MP Ed Husic urged Australia to support the global momentum, suggesting that while certain conditions must still be met, the country could signal its readiness to align with nations like France and the UK in recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Albanese confirmed ongoing communication with British officials and noted he would speak with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer soon. While stopping short of announcing a change in policy, he expressed hope that the Gaza conflict might open new pathways toward peace and a two-state solution.
Last week, France became the first G7 nation to commit to recognizing Palestine, with plans to do so at the September UN assembly. It signed the new joint statement with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and several other nations, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway. The UK did not sign.
The joint declaration underlines that its signatories either recognize or are open to recognizing the State of Palestine. It calls this step vital to achieving a two-state solution and encourages other countries to follow suit.
It also urges nations that lack formal ties with Israel to establish them and opens with a condemnation of the October 7 terrorist attack and a call for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of Hamas-held hostages. The statement reaffirms the goal of unifying the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority’s leadership.
Meanwhile, opposition Coalition leaders have voiced concerns about early recognition. Shadow Finance Minister James Paterson reiterated that a Palestinian state should only emerge as the result of a peace process, not before critical steps—like Hamas’s disbandment and official recognition of Israel—are taken.
Prime Minister Albanese also criticized Israel’s denial of starvation in Gaza, calling the claim “beyond comprehension,” and accused Israel of breaching international law. While some global leaders echoed similar concerns, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley declined to do so.
Senator Paterson acknowledged reports of suffering and starvation in Gaza but said he remained cautious about the situation due to Hamas’s involvement, noting that Israel has a responsibility to ensure humanitarian needs are met.
