Australia Plans Recognise Palestine at UN September

Australia has announced it will formally recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, joining other countries like Canada, the UK, and France in this historic move. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the recognition is contingent upon commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including recognising Israel’s right to exist, demilitarising, and holding elections, while excluding any role for Hamas in future governance. Albanese described a two-state solution as the best hope to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the recognition will not immediately alter Palestine’s legal status, it aims to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel and the US, who have previously blocked Palestine’s admission to the UN Security Council. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision as "shameful" and warned it would not bring peace. Meanwhile, New Zealand is considering its own position on recognising Palestine, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters stating the decision will be made based on New Zealand's principles and national interest.