Australia Plans Recognition of Palestine at UN Amid Gaza Crisis

Australia has announced its decision to recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly, marking a significant shift in its longstanding bipartisan consensus on Israel. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that recognition will be conditional on the Palestinian Authority excluding Hamas from governance, demilitarizing, and holding democratic elections, aiming to break the cycle of violence and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Australian Jewish community, which views it as a betrayal of Israeli hostages and a concession to Hamas, potentially undermining peace efforts. Australia criticized the Israeli government under Prime Minister Netanyahu for actions perceived as jeopardizing a two-state solution, such as expanding illegal settlements and rejecting Palestinian statehood, while also welcoming Palestinian governance reforms and reaffirmations of Israel's right to exist. The Australian government expressed solidarity with international partners to foster peace and normalized relations between Israel and its neighbors, rejecting any future role for Hamas in Palestinian governance. This development aligns Australia with other countries like France, the UK, and Canada, amidst growing international pressure for a renewed peace process.