Australia is reportedly considering a new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, viewing the recognition of Palestinian statehood as a way of “building momentum” towards a two-state solution, rather than solely as the culmination of negotiations. This potential shift comes as France, under President Emmanuel Macron, intensifies its lobbying efforts among Western nations, including Australia, for this very purpose ahead of a UN-backed summit.
The upcoming summit in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20, is shrouded in anticipation that France itself may formally recognize Palestine during the event. This move is designed to inject new life into the stalled peace process. While 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have traditionally held back. However, a spokesperson for Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong explicitly echoed Wong’s earlier sentiment, indicating a potential policy evolution.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its engagement with international partners, including Australia, on its four key priorities for the summit: recognition of a state of Palestine, normalization of regional relations, reform of the Palestinian Authority, and disarmament of Hamas. A French spokesperson clarified that President Macron hopes this recognition would integrate into a broader political dynamic, fostering both the establishment of a Palestinian state and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration.
Further signaling a possible policy recalibration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently condemned Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza as an “outrage.” This strong rebuke aligns with humanitarian concerns and Macron’s call for a firmer international stance. However, Australia’s opposition holds a different view, insisting that recognition of Palestinian statehood should only occur after a peace process that includes the release of all Hamas-held hostages and the dismantling of their terrorist capabilities, warning against “rewarding terrorism.”
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