Australia Set to Become Latest Country to Recognize Palestine

Massive Australian protest over Gaza (image source)

Reporter In a major diplomatic development, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced today that Australia will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly in September, joining a growing list of Western nations taking the same step. Australia’s recognition—years in the making—marks both the culmination of domestic policy shifts and the result of mounting international pressure. Canberra framed the decision as a way to re-energise the two-state solution, conditional on the Palestinian Authority implementing governance reforms, disarmament, exclusion of Hamas from political power, and the holding of free and fair elections.

With this move, Australia aligns with countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, Norway, Slovenia, Ireland, and Malta, which have either recognised Palestine or pledged to do so. In total, over 140 UN member states—primarily from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Eastern Europe—have long recognised Palestine. Other potential European supporters, including Belgium, Portugal, Finland, and Luxembourg, are closely monitoring developments. Meanwhile, nations like Japan, Germany, and Italy remain cautious, citing security concerns and advocating for diplomacy over symbolic gestures, though public opinion in these countries could shift if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens.

The announcement has sparked immediate reactions. Prime Minister Albanese insisted the move was “not a mere gesture”, but a deliberate step toward peace, in line with commitments from the Palestinian Authority to recognise Israel and pursue democratic reforms. In sharp contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, warning that it rewards “terrorism” and could undermine ongoing hostage negotiations.

Domestically, opinion is split. Supporters describe the recognition as overdue justice for the Palestinian people, while critics argue it risks politicising foreign policy and straining ties with the United States.

For Zimbabwe and other African nations, the decision is significant—it demonstrates that even traditionally Western-aligned powers are reassessing their positions amid stalled peace talks and worsening humanitarian crises. It also highlights the role of middle powers in shaping international norms and contributing to conflict resolution.

Ultimately, Australia’s recognition carries symbolic and strategic weight. It shifts diplomatic dynamics, strengthens Palestine’s leverage in multilateral forums, and reinforces calls for accountability and human rights protections. As African Union members and many of Zimbabwe’s neighbours already recognise Palestine, the question now becomes not if, but when, more countries will follow.