Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that his government would formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September, following in the footsteps of nations like France and the United Kingdom.

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At a press conference in Canberra, Albanese said: “A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza (…) The situation in Gaza has exceeded the world’s worst fears. Too many innocent lives have been lost.”

The decision was reached after a Cabinet meeting and follows Australia’s growing criticism of the Zionist regime over its announced plans to occupy Gaza City.

“The Israeli government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food and water to desperate people, including children,” Albanese emphasized.

The Australian leader also noted that in recent weeks, he had discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other world leaders who also plan to recognize Palestine.

This announcement came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the moves by several countries to recognize Palestine, calling them “shameful.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking alongside Albanese, explained that Australia had made it clear it would recognize Palestine when it would most effectively advance the peace process. She stressed that September was the right moment, as the international community has agreed that the ongoing conflict, along with the resulting suffering, death, and destruction, must come to an end.

Australia has repeatedly expressed concern over the division caused within its own society due to the Gaza conflict. The government has even created two special roles to address the rising tide of antisemitism and Islamophobia within the nation.

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