Australia Joins Western Allies to Recognize Palestinian State Amidst Mounting International Criticism of Israel’s Actions in Gaza
Australia and New Zealand have announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state next month, joining several Western allies in condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The recognition will be made at the United Nations General Assembly, where both countries will express their support for the right of Palestinians to self-determination.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his country will recognize a Palestinian state based on commitments received from the Palestinian Authority at the UNGA. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters indicated that his country is also considering recognizing a Palestinian state and will make a decision during a cabinet meeting in September.
The situation in Gaza has been described as an “absolute human catastrophe” by both Australian and New Zealand leaders, with the latter emphasizing the need to carefully weigh their decision on recognizing Palestinian statehood. Both countries have expressed concern over Israel’s military campaign that has devastated the besieged enclave after almost two years of conflict.
If Wellington also moves forward, four out of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network – comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – will recognize Palestinian statehood. The United States is increasingly isolated in its defense of Israel, with several key allies announcing their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has reportedly discussed the upcoming announcement with US Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio, giving him advance notice. However, the read-out of the call did not mention Palestinian statehood. In a recent interview, Rubio expressed concerns that declarations of support for a Palestinian state would embolden Hamas and make it harder to achieve peace.
Albanese stated that Australia has received assurances from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas will play no role in any future Palestinian state. The recognition comes with conditions, including a commitment to demilitarize, hold general elections, abolish the “system of payments to the families of prisoners and martyrs,” and implement governance and education reform, as well as international oversight to prevent incitement of violence and hatred.
Albanese expressed hope that recognizing a Palestinian state would bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East, deliver a lifeline to the people of Gaza, and pave the way for peace. Both Canada and France have also announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, while the UK will do so if Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the steps taken by Western nations to recognize Palestinian statehood as “shameful” and reiterated that Israel will not commit “national suicide” to achieve peace. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong argued that continued inaction is futile and that it’s time for Australia to contribute to momentum towards two states – the only prospect for peace in the Middle East.
Israel has announced an expansion of its military campaign in Gaza, which includes a planned takeover of Gaza City involving the forced evacuation of up to a million people. United Nations officials and UN Security Council member states have condemned the plan, citing concerns over another humanitarian crisis and further violations of international law.
UN officials have reported that hunger-related deaths are rising in Gaza, especially among children. In July alone, 37 children died from severe acute malnutrition, according to health authorities in Gaza. The UN has warned of a looming hunger crisis and potential famine in the enclave.
Protests against Israel’s conduct in Gaza have taken place in major cities worldwide, including London and Sydney. More than 460 people were arrested during a massive protest in London on Saturday, while over 90,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the humanitarian crisis in Gaza last week. Organizers put the figure at closer to 300,000 and plan more protests this month.