Anthony Albanese won't join France in recognising state of Palestine
Share and Follow

France will become the first G7 nation to recognise Palestine as an independent state when the UN General Assembly meets in September. 

It’s a move by President Emmanuel Macron set to place added diplomatic pressure on Israel as the humanitarian crisis intensifies in Gaza.

Anthony Albanese said Australia will not join France’s move to recognise the state of Palestine as he condemned Israel’s blockade on aid into Gaza. (Dominic Lorrimer)

Appearing on ABC’s Insiders today the Prime Minister said Australia had no “imminent” plans to join Macron.

He said a decision could be made when Hamas is demilitarised and a two-state solution could be considered viable.

“We support two states so some would argue, ‘Well, why don’t you just recognise the state?'” he asked.

FILE - Palestinians carry sacks and boxes of food and humanitarian aid, unloaded from a World Food Program convoy that was heading to Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi, file)
Palestinians carry sacks and boxes of food and humanitarian aid, unloaded from a World Food Program convoy that was heading to Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi, file) (AP)

“You need to recognise a Palestinian state as part of moving forward. How do you exclude Hamas from any involvement there? How do you ensure that a Palestinian state operates in an appropriate way that does not threaten the existence of Israel?”

“We won’t do any decision as a gesture. We will do it as a way forward if the circumstances are met.”

It comes amid rising tensions over Israel’s restrictions on aid shipments into Gaza and the killings of hundreds of Palestinians trying to reach food.

FILE - An Israeli soldier stands beside humanitarian aid packages awaiting pickup on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing in the Gaza Strip, Thursday, July 24, 2025, during a media tour organized by the Israeli army. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, file)
An Israeli soldier stands beside humanitarian aid packages awaiting pickup on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing in the Gaza Strip, Thursday, July 24, 2025, during a media tour organized by the Israeli army. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, file) (AP)

Albanese said while he is “not a lawyer” Israel is “quite clearly” breaching international law by withholding aid from civilians.

“The fact that people have lost their lives queuing to get food and water distributed not by the UN, but distributed by the joint Israeli-American operation is a tragedy,” he said.

At least 115 Palestinians have starved to death since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

An estimated 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza but some figures suggest the death toll could be closer to 80,000.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
SPECIAL 9872 Ansett Takeoff; Sydney; Picture by Dallas Kilponen; Sun Herald; 29th September 2001. Pic shows Ansett planes ready for work at Sydney Airport. Tail

Defunct Australian Airline from 2001 Set for Revival

A once-mighty Australian airline which stopped flying in 2001 has resumed business…

“Refugees Urge Australian Government to End 13-Year Policy Stalemate”

A group of refugees who say they’ve been living in limbo in…
"Worst of the worst" couple jailed after planning sex attacks on children

“Couple Sentenced to Prison for Plotting Child Abuse Crimes”

A Welsh couple who dubbed themselves ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ have been jailed…
BEIJING, CHINA - JULY 28: Rescuers use a drone to transport relief supplies after intense downpour triggers road disruptions at Liulimiao Town in Huairou District on July 28, 2025 in Beijing, China. Since July 26, consecutive rainfall has affected Beijing's northern suburban districts of Miyun, Huairou and Yanqing. The intense downpour triggered flooding and landslides, impacting several villages and disrupting roads, power supplies and communications in some areas. (Photo by Jia Tianyong/China

Heavy Rains and Flooding in China Result in At Least 34 Fatalities

Chinese state media say that 30 people have died in heavy rains…
The allegedly drunk driver was seen standing up straight in his van that was on its side.

Driver Allegedly Intoxicated Charged After Being Trapped in Overturned Van

An allegedly drunk driver has been charged after flipping his van and…
A 59-year-old man in police custody after being arrested for allegedly assaulting a crew member before a flight from Perth to Brisbane took off.

Man Accused of Assault Following ‘Restroom Dispute’ on Flight

A Queensland man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a crew member…
Police searching for suspect in the killings of a couple found dead at an Arkansas park

Authorities Hunt for Suspect in Double Homicide of Couple Discovered in Arkansas Park

Police are searching for a suspect after a couple was attacked and…
Tiny detail on job advertisement exposes huge problem of trying to land an entry-level role: 'I fell into this trap'

Small Detail in Job Ad Reveals Major Challenge in Securing Entry-Level Positions: ‘I Fell for It’

Young Aussies have vented their frustration at having to compete with hundreds…