Kuwait city: Australia on Sunday formally recognized the State of Palestine, joining more than 150 countries, as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese touched down in New York for the 80th UN General Assembly session.
According to Kuwait News Agency, in a joint statement, Albanese and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the decision reflects Australia's long-standing support for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. They noted coordinated international efforts, with France, Belgium, and Portugal also announcing recognition.
The Australian government stated that embassy arrangements and other diplomatic protocols will be discussed later, contingent on Palestinian Authority (PA) reforms. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has committed to democratic elections and fiscal, administrative, and education reforms, as the PA recognizes Israel's right to exist, the statement explained.
The statement emphasized that Hamas should have no role in Palestine and reiterated Australia's call for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of 48 Israeli hostages. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that the recognition treats Abbas as President of the State of Palestine, as Albanese is due to meet him in New York, although the US denied Abbas a visa.
Australia's opposition criticized the move as premature, describing it as a hollow gesture that rewards terrorists. The decision also raised questions about ties with the Trump administration after 25 Republican lawmakers threatened punitive measures; a bilateral Albanese-Trump meeting remains unconfirmed.