Published: 11 August 2025
Last updated: 12 August 2025
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Australia's recognition includes an affirmation of Israel's right to exist and a demand that Hamas has no role in a future Palestinian state.
Australia joins more than 140 countries in recognising the legitimacy of a Palestinian state, most recently its allies France, the UK and Canada. New Zealand announced almost simultaneously that it was considering a similar move.
"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 told a media conference in Canberra, following a cabinet meeting this morning.
"The international community’s vision for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East always encompassed two states – living side-by-side with internationally recognised borders, a state of Israel and a state of Palestine with security for the people of both nations."
Albanese emphasised Australia's continuing support for Israel.
"When we recognise the long-held and legitimate aspirations of the people of Palestine, we are also upholding and strengthening our commitment to the people of Israel and their right to live in freedom, security and safety."
He repeated Australia's call for the release of all hostages and emphasised, "our government has made it clear that there can be no role for the terrorists of Hamas in any future Palestinian state."
Albanese said he had received commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of the PA's recognition of Israel's right to exist in peace and security; to demilitarise; to hold general elections; to abolish payments to the families of prisoners and "matyrs"; to government reform including financial transparency and education; and to international safeguards to guard against incitement to violence.




