Australia will recognise a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, joining the leaders of France, Britain, and Canada in indicating their intention to do so.
His statement came after weeks of pressure from members of his Cabinet and many Australians to acknowledge Palestine, amid increasing criticism within his government over the ongoing suffering and starvation in Gaza.
Australia’s government has also condemned recent plans announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a large-scale military offensive in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting on Monday, Albanese said Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state will be formalised at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This recognition is “based on commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority,” he added.
These commitments include excluding Hamas from any Palestinian government, the demilitarisation of Gaza, and holding elections, Albanese explained.
“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,” he said. (Agencies)
