‘When, not if’: Australia’s position as Canada, Britain and France move to recognise Palestine statehood
Canada has joined the UK and France in a growing historic call for change in the Middle East. Now Australia’s position is clearer.
Australia has declared recognition of Palestinian statehood is a question of “when, not if” as Canada moved overnight to join France and Britain in backing the plan.
As events continue to unfold swiftly, Australia has stopped short of formally declaring support for the move at the United Nations in September.
However, the Albanese Government has again made it clear Australia could move quickly if conditions are met.
Overnight, the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held further talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the situation in Gaza.
In a read out of the talks, the Prime Minister reiterated Australia’s long standing and strong support for a two-state solution.
Prime Minister Starmer laid out the UK’s framework for taking forward recognition of Palestine as a driver for peace and the latest on the UK’s involvement in delivering aid.
The leaders agreed on the importance of using the international momentum to secure a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the acceleration of aid, as well as ensuring Hamas did not play a role in a future state.
Canada has also joined France and Britain in plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the move was designed to preserve hopes of a two-state solution.
Ottawa’s recognition is contingent on reforms by the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs in the occupied West Bank, including elections in 2026, demilitarisation and the exclusion of Hamas.
“The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life, the statement said.
“Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future.
“For these reasons, Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers stressed it was a “matter of when, not if” Australia recognises Palestinian statehood but declined to say whether this would be before the September United Nations General Assembly meeting.
“It’s been a longstanding bipartisan policy that we see a two-state solution in that part of the Middle East,” he told ABC TV.
“From my point of view, that progress that has been made, that momentum that we are seeing in the international community is welcome but it’s also conditional.
“There are a number of obstacles still in the way to recognition of a Palestinian state. For example, the treatment, the release, of the hostages, making sure that there’s absolutely no role for Hamas.”
Originally published as ‘When, not if’: Australia’s position as Canada, Britain and France move to recognise Palestine statehood
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