Australian government to confirm recognition of Palestine during UN General Assembly annual session
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this Monday, August 11, that he will recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly next September, a move similar to that of countries such as France and the United Kingdom.
"The two-state solution is humanity's best hope for breaking the cycle of violence in the Middle East and ending the conflict, suffering, and famine in Gaza," Albanese said during a press conference broadcast on public broadcaster ABC.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting this morning in Canberra and comes after the southern country criticized Israel over its announced plans to occupy Gaza City.
A boy runs with a Palestinian flag over a pile of rubble in Gaza. Photo: Eyad BABA / AFP
"The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. Too many innocent lives have been lost. The Israeli government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food, and water to desperate people... This is about much more than drawing a line on a map; it's about handing a lifeline to the legality of Gaza," Albanese stressed.
The Australian prime minister noted that in recent weeks he has discussed this issue with French President Emmanuel Macron and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer , among other leaders who have also announced their recognition of Palestine.
Before Albanese's remarks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday criticized the steps taken by several nations toward recognition of Palestine, calling them "shameful."
" We made it clear that we would recognize Palestine when it would best contribute to the push for peace . September is the moment. When the world says this has gone on too long. When the world says the suffering, death, and destruction must end," said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, accompanying Albanese.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced they will recognize Palestine as a state. Photo: iStock
Canberra has repeatedly expressed concern about the divisions created in Australian society by the war in Gaza, and has even created two special positions to combat rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the southern nation.
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