September 21, 2025 | 09:43 pm
Australia has officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, joining more than 150 other nations. This move, announced on Sunday, September 21, 2025, by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, was a previously anticipated decision.
"Australia recognizes the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," the joint statement said, as reported by ABC News. "Today's act of recognition reflects Australia's longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian people."
This declaration follows similar actions by Canada and the United Kingdom. It coincides with the arrival of an Australian delegation, led by the Prime Minister, in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
France, Belgium, and Portugal also recognized Palestine at the assembly, as part of what Australia described as "a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution."
Political and Diplomatic Consequences
With this recognition, Australia now acknowledges Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, as a head of state. Prime Minister Albanese had planned to meet with Abbas in New York, but the U.S. government denied Abbas's visa.
Australia's statement clarified that the establishment of an embassy and other diplomatic protocols will "be considered as the Palestinian Authority makes progress on its commitments to reform." The statement referred to "clear requirements" that the Palestinian Authority has directly committed to Australia. These include promises to hold democratic elections and to implement significant reforms in finance, governance, and education.
The Australian leaders also noted the Palestinian Authority's recognition of Israel's right to exist and stated that "terrorist organisation Hamas must have no role in Palestine." They reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of 48 Israeli hostages.
The Labor Party has long supported the recognition of Palestine as part of a peace process, but the timing of its stance has shifted during the Gaza conflict. The party now views recognition as a necessary step to advance the peace process.
Criticism from the Opposition and Israel
The Coalition opposition immediately voiced its objection to the decision. "Recognition must come at the end of a peace process, not during the conflict. Palestine has no established borders and no effective government," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and foreign affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash said in a joint statement.
They accused the Labor government of making a terrible concession to the terrorist Hamas, stating that the move provides "a hollow gesture of false hope to the Palestinian people" without adequate security guarantees for Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australia's move. He confirmed that he would attend the summit in New York and meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. In response to the recognition, Israel revoked the visas of Australian diplomats working in the West Bank. This prompted a personal attack by Netanyahu, who called Albanese a "weak" leader.
Palestinian Response and the Call for Action
In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement by Australia and nine other countries.
However, the welcome was accompanied by demands for "concrete action" to achieve statehood and pressure Israel to exercise restraint in the occupied territories. "Believing that there can be peace and security in the region without the materialisation of an independent state of Palestine and the achievements of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is a delusion," Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian told journalists in Ramallah.
Aghabekian argued that recognition is a prerequisite for peace, not just a result of it. "You need to recognise so that we can push the agenda of peace." He also highlighted the concerning conditions for Palestinians in the West Bank, citing increasing attacks by Jewish settlers and plans by the Netanyahu government to expand settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
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