Rabat — Australia recognized today the statehood of Palestine, as other countries are taking this important step ahead of the UN General Assembly, scheduled for the coming week in the US.
Amid Israel’s ongoing genocide on Gaza, Australia has joined the UK and Canada to recognize Palestine as a state in an attempt to join efforts to advance the two-state solution.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a statement confirming his country’s recognition.
The move comes as part of an international effort to revive hope in the two-state solution, as well as a ceasefire in Gaza.
Albanese said Australia recognized “the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own,” with the establishment of his country’s embassy and active diplomatic relations to flow once the Palestinian Authority meets reform commitments sought by the international community.
In a joint statement with the Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Albanese noted that the US President Donald Trump’s leadership as vital to securing “a credible peace plan.”
The statement pointed out that the White House and the Arab League could “champion the reconstruction of Gaza” and guarantee the security of Israel.
However, notably, Washington has been doing the opposite of this, backing Israel’s continued campaigns and vetoing opportunities for ceasefires within UN votes.
It added that “Australia will continue to work with our international partners to help build on today’s act of recognition and to bring the Middle East closer to the lasting peace and security that is the hope, and the right, of all humanity.”
Like the UK and Canada, Australia’s announcement echoed the nuanced stance that Hamas must have “no role in Palestine,” reiterating their stance that the Palestinian group should not be a part of the upcoming governance strategy in the Middle Eastern country.
As the world is watching in silence Israel’s genocidal practices in Gaza, the UN General Assembly is scheduled to kick off high-level meetings next week. On Monday, members will meet to deliberate on Palestinian statehood, with the first major sessions scheduled for the following days.
