At a press conference in Canberra on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly this September.
Albanese framed the move as part of a "coordinated global effort" to restart peace talks and secure a lasting two-state solution, calling it "humanity's best hope" to end the cycle of conflict in the Middle East. Speaking alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Palestinian people’s right to a state of their own.
"A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," Albanese said, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the region.
The decision follows discussions with leaders in Britain, France, New Zealand and Japan, as well as with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. According to Albanese, the Palestinian Authority has assured Australia that it will recognize Israel's right to exist, hold general elections and demilitarize.
Australia's move also included a pointed critique of Israel's policies, with the prime minister condemning the withholding of aid in Gaza and rising settler violence in the West Bank. He warned that threats to annex occupied territories and proposals for permanent displacement of the Palestinian people risk putting a two-state solution out of reach for a generation.
As calls for a ceasefire grow louder around the world, Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood marks a significant shift in its Middle East policy and underscores the growing momentum behind diplomatic efforts to secure peace.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
