Australia to Recognize Palestinian State at Upcoming UN Assembly Amid Growing Global Support
Australia has announced its plan to recognize Palestinian statehood at the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in September, joining a growing number of countries supporting the move.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Australia’s decision aims to boost international efforts toward a two-state solution, help secure a ceasefire in Gaza, and promote the release of hostages.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza since October 2023 has intensified calls worldwide to grant Palestinians their own state, challenging the long-standing belief that statehood could only come through direct negotiations with Israel.
Currently, at least 145 out of 193 UN member states recognize or plan to recognize Palestine, including major nations like France, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
A Brief History of the Palestinian Statehood Quest:
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1988: Declaration of Statehood
During the first intifada, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital at a meeting in Algiers. Algeria became the first country to officially recognize the declaration. -
2011-2012: Steps Toward UN Recognition
After stalled peace talks, Palestinians sought full UN membership in 2011 but were unsuccessful. However, UNESCO accepted Palestine as a full member in October 2011. In November 2012, the UN General Assembly granted Palestine “non-member observer state” status, and the Palestinian flag was raised at the UN headquarters in New York for the first time. -
Recent Momentum
The recent escalation of violence in Gaza has strengthened international support for Palestinian statehood. Last year, countries including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the Bahamas, and Armenia formally recognized Palestine. European countries such as Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have also taken similar steps, marking a renewed diplomatic push within the European Union.
Australia’s upcoming recognition signals a continued shift in global diplomacy as the world seeks new pathways to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
