Australia will recognise Palestinian state, says PM Anthony Albanese

Australia will recognize a Palestinian state, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Monday (August 11, 2025), joining the leaders of France, Britain and Canada in signalling they would do so.

His remarks followed weeks of urging from within his Cabinet and from many in Australia to recognize a Palestinian state and amid growing criticism from officials in his government over suffering and starvation in Gaza. Australia’s government has also criticised plans announced in recent days by Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu for a fresh, sweeping military offensive in Gaza.

Mr. Albanese told reporters after a Cabinet meeting on Monday (August 11, 2025) that Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state will be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The acknowledgement was “predicated on commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority,” Mr Albanese said.