Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, aligning with similar moves by the UK, France, and Canada.

Albanese said the decision follows commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to demilitarise, hold general elections, and continue recognising Israel’s right to exist.

“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.

Israel, US oppose 

Israel, under mounting international pressure to end the war in Gaza, has rejected the recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it a move that “rewards terrorism.” The US has also said it will not follow suit, arguing that Palestinian statehood recognition under current circumstances would benefit Hamas.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance reiterated over the weekend that Washington sees no plans to recognise Palestine, citing the absence of a functional government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised Australia and European nations supporting recognition. “To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole… it is disappointing – and I think it’s shameful,” he said, comparing the Hamas attacks to hypothetical assaults on Australian cities.

Global recognition 

The announcement comes as Israel faces UN criticism over its plans to take control of Gaza City, which Netanyahu insists is the “best way” to end the war.

Last year, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognised Palestine to push for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The State of Palestine is currently recognised by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and holds the status of “permanent observer state,” which allows participation in UN proceedings but does not grant voting rights.