Australia to Recognise Palestine at UNGA, with NZ Considering Recognition

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-08-11 08:56:21 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-24 16:45:13

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Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on August 11 that his nation would recognise Palestine as a state at the upcoming UNGA meeting in September. In a blow to Israel, New Zealand is also considering a similar move.

The announcement comes on the back of a symbolic vote in the Australian parliament, with 151 votes in favour of recognising Palestine and 150 against, a result described by Albanese as a "majority vote". This decision will see Australia join 134 other countries around the world that have officially recognised Palestine.

Winston Peters, Foreign Minister of New Zealand, has indicated his government is also currently contemplating a similar decision. Australia's decision to recognise Palestine has so far been met with mixed reactions. While the Arab League has praised the move, Israel has criticized it. It remains to be seen what consequences the decision will have on Australian-Israeli relations and whether New Zealand will follow through with recognition.

The impending decision of New Zealand comes after current and former lawmakers urged the government to recognize Palestine. With New Zealand joining other nations in the Pacific region, this could lead to increased pressure on countries like Japan and South Korea to follow suit.

Despite criticism from Israel and the possible implications, Australia's decision to recognize Palestine highlights a growing trend from nations seeking to show their commitment to peace and justice in the Middle East.

Conclusion:

In a significant move, Australia will recognize Palestine as a state at the upcoming UNGA gathering, with New Zealand pondering a similar decision. Australia's referendum on the issue demonstrated that there is a strong political will to recognize Palestine, with Australia joining 134 other countries in doing so. The decision has mixed reactions, with praise from the Arab League and criticism from Israel. As New Zealand considers its move, this could catalyze even more countries in the Pacific region and beyond to make a similar decision.

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