Australia to recognize Palestinian state in September; New Zealand to consider next steps
Australia plans formal recognition of Palestinian state at UN, New Zealand considers similar step as Saudi Arabia welcomes growing international consensus
CANBERRA, Australia (MNTV) — Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced, aligning with growing global momentum toward two-state acceptance.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s foreign minister said Wellington will carefully consider recognition, with a decision expected from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s cabinet in the coming weeks.
Albanese emphasized that Australia’s recognition is contingent upon commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including distancing itself from Hamas, demilitarization, holding elections, and ending payments to attackers’ families.
He reaffirmed the need for a two-state solution and described the move as “a matter of when, not if.”
New Zealand is weighing its decision through the lens of national values and strategic interests, with formal recognition anticipated in September during the UN Leaders’ Week session.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand supports Palestinian statehood in principle but will wait to ensure a viable and representative Palestinian entity.
Saudi Arabia welcomed the developments, calling them part of a growing international consensus supporting the two-state solution.
Riyadh reaffirmed its commitment to an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
This wave of diplomatic progress builds on statements from the UK, Canada, France, and others preparing similar recognition during the UNGA.
It reflects mounting global concern over the humanitarian crisis and rising international support for a just and lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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