Australia has formally recognised the State of Palestine, joining the UK and Canada in a coordinated move aimed at supporting a two-state solution.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the decision comes as frustration grows over the war in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, and the lack of progress in peace talks.
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“Enough is enough. We must end the cycle of violence,” Albanese said.
“The terrorist atrocities that occurred by Hamas on 7 October ensure and underline why Hamas can play no role in the future Palestinian state. But just as the Jewish people have a homeland in Israel, Palestinians have a legitimate aspiration for their own homeland as well.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stressed that recognition depends on the Palestinian Authority taking control, with Hamas excluded from any future government.
“We’re working with others because we want to be part of the global momentum for peace,” she said.
“That is where other countries are. That is what people are working for.”
Israel strongly rejected the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring a Palestinian state is “not going to happen”.
“There will be no Palestinian state,” he said.
“I have a clear message to those leaders who are recognising a Palestinian state after the horrendous 7 October massacre: You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize,” he added.
“And I have another message for you: It’s not going to happen.”
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