Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement that Australia will recognize Palestinian statehood at the September UN General Assembly has drawn condemnation from Israel, while supporters view it as a vital step toward justice for Palestinians enduring Israel’s occupation and genocide.
The move, predicated on Palestinian Authority commitments to demilitarize Gaza and hold elections, is seen as a response to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed over 61,499 people, including over 100 children who starved under Israel’s siege, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
Albanese condemned Israel’s actions, stating the situation in Gaza has “gone beyond the world’s worst fears” as Israel continues to “defy international law” by restricting aid to desperate civilians.
Australia joins Canada, France, and the UK in preparing to recognize Palestine, aligning with 147 UN member states that already do so.
New Zealand may follow, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters indicating a decision is forthcoming.
This wave of recognition reflects growing frustration with Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem since 1967, deemed illegal under international law.
In Australia, public outrage was evident as 300,000 people marched in Sydney to protest Israel’s genocide, demanding sanctions and an end to arms trade with Israel.
The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network criticized the recognition as a “political fig leaf,” accusing Australia of complicity in Israel’s “genocide and apartheid” through continued weapons trade.
Israel’s Ambassador Amir Maimon and President Isaac Herzog condemned Australia’s decision, arguing it does nothing to end the Gaza conflict.
Critics, including the Australian Greens, argue the government’s focus on recognition ignores calls for stronger measures against Israel’s actions, which include a recent targeted killing of five Al Jazeera staff in Gaza City.
As global pressure mounts, Israel’s policies face increasing scrutiny, with Palestine’s statehood gaining traction as a moral and legal imperative.