Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron drew widespread criticism for announcing that France will recognize Palestine as a state at the U.N. General Assembly in September.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio blasted the “reckless decision” as not only a gut punch to the victims of Oct. 7, but one that also “serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace.”
President Trump, meanwhile, appeared unfazed by Macron’s move, telling reporters it makes no difference because France’s decision “doesn’t carry weight.”
But now, it’s no longer just France. After similar announcements from Canada and the UK, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Monday it would do the same.
“Australia will recognize the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority,” Albanese said at a press conference, with the formal announcement to be made next month at the U.N. General Assembly.
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Statement on the recognition of the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/Mg0Ec8buo1
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 11, 2025
"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," he argued.
Today is a dark day in our history.
— James Newbury MP (@newbury3186) August 11, 2025
Australia has shamefully turned its back on Israel, sided with Hamas, and rewarded terrorism.
Bob Hawke will be turning in his grave.@netanyahu https://t.co/vL700SIpRl
Israel blasted the move.
NEW: Israel slams Australia’s shameful embrace of terrorism.
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) August 11, 2025
“By recognising a Palestinian state while Hamas continues to kill, kidnap, and reject peace, Australia undermines Israel’s security, derails hostage negotiations, and hands a victory to those who oppose coexistence.” pic.twitter.com/mLx1Mo26vS
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters suggested a similar announcement would be forthcoming from his nation.
“New Zealand has been clear for some time that our recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if,” Peters said in a statement, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasizing that it was “entirely appropriate that we take the time to actually make sure we weigh up our decision and work that through in a sensible way.”
