Australia Announces Plan to Recognize Palestinian State, Emphasizing Two-State Solution

In a significant diplomatic move, Australia has announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, following similar steps by countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the decision would be made during the United Nations General Assembly, after receiving commitments from the Palestinian Authority. Albanese emphasized that "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 hunger in Gaza."

This announcement comes as Israel faces increasing international pressure to end the war in Gaza. Israel quickly condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it "rewarding terrorism." In contrast, the Palestinian Authority welcomed the move, viewing it as growing support for their people's right to self-determination. Albanese confirmed that his decision followed an assurance from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas would have no role in a future Palestinian state.

The Australian Prime Minister noted that his decision was made after discussions with his counterparts in the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, and Japan. Similarly, neighboring New Zealand announced it would also consider a similar decision by September. New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, denounced the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza and stated that his country would assess the matter based on its "principles, values, and national interests," with an announcement expected at the UN in September.

These international moves clash with the position of the United States, which previously condemned several countries' intentions to recognize Palestine and imposed sanctions on officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed strong opposition to the decisions made by France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

These developments occur as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to declare plans to control the Gaza Strip, seemingly ignoring international calls for a two-state solution, which is considered a cornerstone for resolving the decades-long conflict. The two-state solution is based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.