Australia’s Shift on Palestine: From “Only At The End” to “Building Momentum”

Australia’s official position on Palestinian statehood appears to be undergoing a significant shift, moving from recognition “only occurring at the end of negotiations” to viewing it “as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution.” This evolution comes amidst intense international pressure, spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron, for Australia to join a global push for Palestinian recognition.
The upcoming UN-backed summit in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20, is generating considerable buzz, with speculation that France might formally recognize Palestine during the event to reignite the peace process. While 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have not. However, a spokesperson for Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong explicitly echoed Wong’s earlier sentiment, indicating a notable policy change.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its engagement with international partners, including Australia, on its four key priorities for the summit: recognition of a state of Palestine, normalization of regional relations, reform of the Palestinian Authority, and disarmament of Hamas. A French spokesperson clarified that President Macron hopes this recognition would integrate into a broader political dynamic, fostering both the establishment of a Palestinian state and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration.
Further signaling a possible policy recalibration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently condemned Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza as an “outrage.” This strong rebuke aligns with humanitarian concerns and Macron’s call for a firmer international stance. However, Australia’s opposition holds a different view, insisting that recognition of Palestinian statehood should only occur after a peace process that includes the release of all Hamas-held hostages and the dismantling of their terrorist capabilities, warning against “rewarding terrorism.”