CANBERRA – On Monday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that his country will officially recognize a Palestinian state. Australia’s move puts it in line with a rising number of countries, such as France, Britain, and Canada, who have lately made similar plans.
After a Cabinet meeting, the announcement was made in response to growing calls from both the Australian government and the public about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Albanese said, according to the Associated Press, “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.”
The official recognition is set to be announced during the United Nations General Assembly in September. Albanese said that the decision is “based on promises Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority.” These promises are said to include:
The fact that Hamas will not be part of any future Palestinian government.
The removal of weapons from Gaza.
The Palestinian territories have democratic elections.
Australia’s choice is also a significant criticism of what the Israeli government has done lately. Canberra has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intentions for a large-scale military attack on Gaza. The Australian government has asked everyone involved to lower the tension and focus on finding a peaceful solution.
Australia, a key Western ally of the US, has officially recognized a Palestinian state. This is a big change in diplomatic policy and puts more pressure on Israel and the US to accept a two-state solution.