According to a report by Reuters on Monday 11 August, 2025, Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state during next month’s United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday – a move that aligns Canberra with recent decisions by France, Britain, and Canada, and adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel.
Albanese said the recognition is intended to bolster momentum toward a two-state solution, push for a ceasefire in Gaza, and secure the release of hostages. He emphasised that Australia’s support depends on assurances from the Palestinian Authority that Hamas will have no role in a future Palestinian state.
At a press conference in Canberra, the prime minister described a two-state outcome as “humanity’s best hope” to break the cycle of violence and ease the suffering in Gaza. He also revealed he had spoken directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, telling him that military action would not deliver a lasting peace.
Canberra has recently voiced strong objections to Israel’s stated plan to take control of Gaza. Albanese said Monday’s decision was driven in part by what he described as Netanyahu’s refusal to heed international calls and his government’s actions in Gaza, including the expansion of settlements and threats of annexation.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined Albanese in the statement, stressing that reforms pledged by the Palestinian Authority – from demilitarisation to holding elections – together with Arab League demands for Hamas to relinquish power, created a rare opening. “This is an opportunity to isolate Hamas,” Albanese said.
Wong confirmed she had briefed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Australia’s move. Washington has been divided on the issue, with President Donald Trump criticising Canada’s recognition last month and Rubio labelling France’s decision reckless.
Israel’s ambassador in Canberra, Amir Maimon, swiftly condemned the announcement on social media, arguing it would weaken Israel’s security and jeopardise hostage talks.
Public opinion in Australia has been sharply split over Gaza, and Albanese had until recently avoided setting a timetable for recognition. But protests have been growing. Earlier this month, tens of thousands marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge demanding more aid be allowed into the enclave.
Former foreign minister Gareth Evans said the timing was right, arguing that joining other “credible voices from the global North” could increase pressure on Netanyahu to shift course. International law professor Donald Rothwell added that recognition would enable Australia to provide aid directly, take part in reconstruction efforts, and enter into treaties with a Palestinian state.
In an interview with Australia’s national broadcaster, Palestinian Authority minister Varsen Aghabekian described the decision as a long-awaited boost to Palestinian hopes, while stressing that a ceasefire must remain the immediate priority.
Neighbouring New Zealand is expected to decide later this month whether it will follow suit.
Israel’s war in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on nearby Israeli towns that left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Since then, health officials in Gaza say more than 60,000 have been killed in the enclave, which has been devastated by Israeli bombardment. Aid agencies warn that malnutrition is now widespread; Israel denies deliberately restricting food and blames Hamas for shortages.
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