Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that his country will recognize a Palestinian state in September.
The announcement places Australia alongside the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, and leaves the United States increasingly alone among its closest allies in opposing recognition.
Albanese said the formal recognition will come during the United Nations General Assembly next month.
He stressed that the move is based on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including a pledge to exclude Hamas from any future government.
Other conditions include demilitarization, free elections, an end to payments for prisoners and martyrs’ families, education reforms, and international oversight to prevent incitement of violence.
On the same day, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters revealed that his country is also considering recognition.
A decision will be made during a September cabinet meeting. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the Gaza situation an “absolute human catastrophe” and said the government must weigh its decision carefully.
If New Zealand joins, four of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network members the US, UK, Canada, and Australia will have recognized Palestinian statehood.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in advance.
Rubio has criticized such recognitions as “largely symbolic” and harmful to peace efforts.
Albanese countered that a two-state solution is the “best hope” to end the cycle of violence and starvation in Gaza.
He described the recognition as “more than drawing a line on a map” and as a lifeline for the people of Gaza.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as “shameful” and said it would not alter Israel’s stance.
He vowed that Israel would not compromise its security for international approval.
The decision comes as Israel expands its military campaign in Gaza, including plans to seize Gaza City.
The United Nations has warned the operation could trigger another humanitarian disaster.
Hunger-related deaths in Gaza are rising sharply, with UN officials calling the situation “starvation, pure and simple.”
Protests against Israel’s actions have intensified worldwide, with massive demonstrations in London and Sydney demanding urgent action to stop the crisis.
By aligning with other Western nations, Australia signals a clear shift in its Middle East policy one that may reshape diplomatic dynamics and increase pressure on Israel to seek a lasting peace agreement.