Move comes as Anthony Albanese tries to secure meeting with Donald Trump and amid warnings that recognition could spark ‘punitive measures’ from the US
Australia has formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, completing a landmark shift in foreign policy over the Israel-Gaza war.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, moved forward with formal recognition, effective from Sunday, acting in concert with similar declarations by prime ministers Keir Starmer of the UK and Mark Carney of Canada.
The plan is designed to build renewed momentum for a two-state solution in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages from the 7 October 2023 terror attacks orchestrated by Hamas.
In August, Australia said it would join the international push led by France, prompting fury from Israeli’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu and possible retribution from the US president, Donald Trump.
Albanese’s announcement came after he arrived in New York for the UN general assembly and a major conference on a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas this week.
Albanese said Australia recognised “the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own”. The establishment of an embassy and active diplomatic relations will flow once the Palestinian Authority meets reform commitments sought by the international community.
They include recognition of Israel’s right to exist, and commitments to hold democratic elections and enact significant reform to finance, governance and education.
Governments recognising Palestine insist Hamas must have no role in any new state.
Albanese and the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, were at paints to stress Trump’s leadership was vital to securing “a credible peace plan”. They said the White House and the Arab League could champion the reconstruction of Gaza and guarantee the security of Israel.
“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,” the pair said in a statement.
Trump, who opposes recognition and has threatened retaliation against Canada already, will be an outsize presence in New York this week. Albanese is trying to secure his first face-to-face meeting with the president, even as a group of 25 of his close allies warned Australia’s recognition of Palestine could spark “punitive measures” from the US.
The group, including Trump loyalists Ted Cruz of Texas and Elise Stefanik of New York, wrote to Albanese, Starmer, Carney and French president Emmanuel Macron urging a rethink at the weekend.