"Peace can only be temporary until the finalization of the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, is achieved," Albanese said at a press conference in Canberra following the cabinet meeting. "Australia will recognize the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own," he added.
He added that Israel "continues to defy international law and refuses to provide adequate aid, food, and water ," noting that the situation in Gaza "has surpassed the world's greatest fears," and that he had informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the need to reach a "political, not military, solution" in Gaza.
Albanese stated last Saturday that Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state was "a matter of when, not if," and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong revealed that she had informed her US counterpart, Marco Rubio, of the decision in advance.
For his part, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Monday that his country's government will make its final decision on recognizing a Palestinian state in September and will present its position during UN Leaders' Week.
Peters emphasized that New Zealand, despite its close ties to some countries that have previously recognized the Palestinian state, adopts an independent foreign policy, explaining in a statement: "We intend to carefully consider the matter and then act in accordance with New Zealand's principles, values, and national interests." He emphasized that for his country, recognition of a Palestinian state "is not in doubt, but rather a matter of time."
In the same context, Palestine welcomed the Australian Prime Minister's announcement on Monday, considering the decision a "courageous and historic" stance.
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The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, "We welcome the Australian Prime Minister's announcement that his country intends to recognize the Palestinian state next month at the UN General Assembly meetings." It added, "We consider this announcement to be consistent with international law and UN resolutions and an effort to achieve peace based on the two-state solution."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its gratitude to Australia for this "historic and courageous" stance, affirming the State of Palestine's commitment to building stronger bilateral relations with Australia in all areas.
It called on countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to initiate such recognition to protect the two-state solution and enhance the opportunity to achieve peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the New York Declaration.
In late July, 15 Western countries, including France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal, issued a collective appeal for recognition of Palestine and a ceasefire, published by the French Foreign Ministry.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state next September if Israel does not end the tragic situation in Gaza.
The movement to recognize the State of Palestine is growing in tandem with the war of extermination waged by Israel against Gaza since October 7, 2023, with American support, in defiance of international calls and orders from the International Court of Justice to halt it.
