Australia has officially recognised the State of Palestine, taking a historic step alongside the United Kingdom in what both countries describe as a coordinated effort to push for peace in the Middle East. The announcement comes just days before the UN General Assembly, where the issue of Palestinian statehood is expected to dominate discussions.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, together with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, explained that the decision is meant to give fresh momentum to the long-stalled two-state solution. According to them, lasting peace can only begin with a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and captives, and a clear roadmap toward Palestinian self-determination. At the same time, they underlined that Hamas cannot play any role in the future governance of Palestine.
The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, echoed Australia’s position, saying that formal recognition is not just symbolic but also a practical step to restore hope for peace. Starmer added that without international recognition, Palestinians would continue to feel excluded from political negotiations, making it harder to achieve stability.
Diplomatic observers believe this joint move could encourage other nations, including France and several European partners, to follow suit. For Israel, however, the wave of recognition marks increasing diplomatic pressure and growing isolation at a time when the conflict remains unresolved. Analysts suggest the decisions by Australia and the UK may signal the start of a broader global shift in support of Palestinian statehood.
