Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong (L) listens to Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he speaks during a press conference in Canberra. AFP
In a statement on Monday, the foreign ministry said the decision would enable Palestinians to exercise their right to self-determination and establish an independent, contiguous state on the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Cairo said the move, alongside similar decisions in recent months, was a “pivotal step” towards a just, lasting peace in the Middle East.
It said the decision reflected growing international backing for the Palestinian cause and a rejection of Israel’s “oppressive policies” in the occupied territories — including starvation and genocide in Gaza, which it argued fuel extremism and instability.
Egypt urged countries that have yet to recognize Palestine to “move swiftly”.
It renewed its call for intensified global efforts to end the Israeli occupation and implement the two-state solution, ending “decades-long suffering” and ensuring regional stability.
Albanese confirmed on Monday that recognition would be formalized at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September 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 told reporters in Canberra.
The Australian decision follows a wave of recognition pledges by US allies since French President Emmanuel Macron vowed on 24 July to recognize Palestine.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would do so in September if Israel failed to take “substantive steps” in Gaza, including agreeing to a ceasefire. Canada and Malta have made similar commitments.
Since Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza began, Norway, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and others have formally recognized Palestinian statehood, with more signalling they may follow.
To date, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states—roughly three-quarters—recognize Palestine, which was granted non-member observer status in 2012.
In May 2024, the UN General Assembly voted to expand Palestine’s rights at the UN, allowing greater committee participation but not voting rights.
Short link: