By Joe Udo
CANBERA (CONVERSEER) – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining France, Britain and Canada in signalling similar commitments.
The decision follows weeks of pressure from within his Cabinet and growing calls from Australians to back Palestinian statehood, amid mounting criticism of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Albanese made the declaration after a Cabinet meeting in Canberra, stating that the recognition will be formalised at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The Prime Minister said the recognition would be based on key conditions, including the exclusion of Hamas from any future Palestinian government, the demilitarisation of Gaza, and the holding of democratic elections.
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“I have said publicly and directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu that the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears,” Albanese told reporters.
Criticism of Gaza Offensive Plans
Australia’s move comes as the government voices concern over Israel’s recently announced plans for a fresh, large-scale military offensive in Gaza. Officials in Canberra have also condemned the growing suffering and starvation among civilians in the enclave.
Albanese’s statement aligns Australia with several Western allies that have recently shifted towards formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, amid stalled peace efforts and worsening humanitarian conditions in the region.
