The news: Australia, Britain and Canada have officially recognised Palestinian statehood, marking a coordinated foreign policy change by three key US allies.
The context: In a statement released by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office on Sunday evening, Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong state:
“Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.”
The statement says that the recognition of Palestine is part of a “co-ordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023.”
It says that the action reflects Australia’s “longstanding commitment to a two-state solution” which is the “only path to enduring peace and security” for Israeli and Palestinian people.
The statement says that Hamas must have no role in Palestine and that the leader of the Palestinian Authority has “restated its recognition of Israel’s right to exist, and given direct undertakings to Australia, including commitments to hold democratic elections and enact significant reform to finance, governance and education.”
Albanese says that the opening of embassies and establishment of diplomatic relations will be considered.
The office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also said: “While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and the consistent policy of Canada for generations.”
Albanese announced that Australia would recognise a Palestinian state in August, during this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. The UK and Canada had also been expected to recognise Palestine later this week, while France is planning to follow suit on Monday.
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu had reacted with anger to increasing appetite of US allies’ plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, arguing that it “rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism” and “punishes its victims.” He also accused Albanese of having “betrayed” Israel.
On Friday, a group of US Republicans warned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his allies that they would face “punitive measures” if they went ahead with plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
The open letter signed by 25 members of the House and the Senate requested that Australia, the UK and France “reconsider” their decision to “unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.”
“This is a reckless policy that undermines prospects for peace,” the letter continued. “It sets the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims.”
The letter also said that the recognition “undermines the principles of direct negotiation” and that “granting statehood under these conditions only reinforce the effectiveness of Hamas’ violence and rogue behaviour.”