Conflict in Israel-Palestine: Australia Plans to Recognize Palestinian Statehood; New Zealand Considering Similar Action
Western Powers Set to Recognize Palestinian Statehood
A significant shift in global recognition of a Palestinian state is underway, with several key countries announcing plans to formally recognize Palestine during the 2025 United Nations General Assembly in September. This represents a broad Western shift towards recognizing Palestinian statehood, with over a dozen Western countries, including France, Britain, and the Netherlands, indicating intentions to formally recognize Palestine.
Australia, France, and Malta have confirmed they will recognize the State of Palestine in September 2025. Australia, a G20 and Pacific Islands Forum member, France, a major EU, G7, G20, NATO member and permanent UNSC member, and Malta, an EU member, will make this recognition official.
Canada and the United Kingdom have also stated their intent to recognize Palestine around the same time, but with conditions attached. Canada requires the Palestinian Authority to hold elections without Hamas participation and to demilitarize the state, while the UK will recognize Palestine unless Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire, ends the humanitarian situation, commits to a two-state solution, and clarifies no West Bank annexation.
San Marino has announced plans for recognition as part of a gradual process in 2025, and there is anticipation that New Zealand may follow with a recognition decision.
This movement is partially motivated by recent escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict and dissatisfaction with the status quo. Recognition is seen as both symbolic and practical, conferring formal diplomatic status and opening doors to economic relations and international engagement. While the recognition does not immediately change realities on the ground, it reflects widespread political support for Palestinian statehood and pressures Israel diplomatically.
The Palestine side urges that recognition and international action must correspond with ending occupation, ending violence, and realizing Palestinian self-determination for a just and lasting peace. The opposition Liberal Party criticized the move, arguing it puts Australia at odds with the United States. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that these commitments provide an opportunity to deliver self-determination for the people of Palestine while isolating Hamas.
The recognition will be formalized when the United Nations General Assembly meets in New York. As of now, 147 out of the UN's 193 member states recognize Palestinian statehood, representing three-quarters of the world's countries and the vast majority of its population.
| Country | Recognition Status | Conditions/Notes | |-------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Australia | Planned Sept 2025 | Confirmed | | France | Planned Sept 2025 | Confirmed | | Malta | Planned Sept 2025 | Confirmed | | Canada | Planned Sept 2025 | Conditional on elections without Hamas and demilitarization | | United Kingdom | Planned Sept 2025 | Conditional unless Israel meets ceasefire, two-state solution criteria | | San Marino | Planned 2025 | Gradual process | | New Zealand | Possible decision pending | No official announcement yet |
This marks an unprecedented wave of recognition among major Western powers, signaling a notable change in international diplomacy regarding Palestine. Israel has condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state. An Israeli attack recently killed five Al Jazeera staff members in Gaza City, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized the Australian announcement as a reward for Hamas.
Under its 1947 plan, the UN General Assembly would have granted 45 percent of the land to an Arab state, but this never eventuated. The two-state solution is seen as humanity's best hope to end the conflict in the Middle East. The PA has not held parliamentary elections since 2006 and has been criticized by some Palestinians for helping Israel maintain control over West Bank residents. Hundreds of thousands of Australians recently protested Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, with at least 61,430 deaths, according to Gaza's health authorities, and more than 200 people, including 100 children, having died from starvation under Israel's punishing siege, according to health authorities.
In summary, a wave of recognition among major Western powers is underway, signaling a notable change in international diplomacy regarding Palestine. This shift is partially motivated by recent escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict and dissatisfaction with the status quo. Recognition is seen as both symbolic and practical, conferring formal diplomatic status and opening doors to economic relations and international engagement. While the recognition does not immediately change realities on the ground, it reflects widespread political support for Palestinian statehood and pressures Israel diplomatically.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Trump's enforcement actions in Washington D.C.: Insights from the political arena
- Chinese Ambassador issues stern message to India regarding Trump's tariffs in midst of escalating trade feuds
- Aircraft collides with another one on the runway during landing at Montana airport, igniting flames
