Australia formally recognises Palestine, as Albanese begins US visit

The Albanese government on Sunday formally recognised Palestine as an independent state.

Prime Minister Anothony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong in a statement said that Sunday’s recognition, “alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution”.

The declaration came as Albanese began his United States visit for leaders week at the United Nations in New York.

The prospect of a formal meeting with United States President Donald Trump remained up in the air when Albanese landed in New York on Sunday (Australian time).

The move to recognise the state of Palestine has been condemned in a letter from 25 Republican members of Congress, sent to Albanese as well as the leaders of Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

The letter, copied to Trump, pointed out that going ahead with recognition would put “your country at odds with long-standing US policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response”.

The Republicans described recognition as a “reckless policy that undermines prospects for peace” and called for the leaders to reconsider their decisions, “especially as Hamas continues to hold Israeli citizens hostage while still refusing to agree to a ceasefire”.

In their statement, Albanese and Wong said: “Today’s act of recognition reflects Australia’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples”.

“The President 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.

"Terrorist organisation Hamas must have no role in Palestine.

"Further steps, including the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of embassies, will be considered as the Palestinian Authority makes progress on its commitments to reform,” the statement said.

The letter from the Republicans said recognition “sets the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims.

"This misguided effort to reward terrorism also imperils the security of your own countries. Proposed recognition is coinciding with sharp increases in antisemitic activity in each of your countries.”

While in New York Albanese will address the UN General Assembly, and have discussions on climate issues and on Australia’s proposed ban on young people’s access to social media.