Canberra, Aug 11 (V7N) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that Australia will recognize Palestine as a state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Canberra, Albanese criticized Israel’s control over Gaza and stressed the need for a political, not military, solution to the Palestinian issue. He also emphasized that Hamas would not have any role in a future Palestinian state.

The Australian government described the move as part of a coordinated global effort to promote peace. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned Australia’s decision, calling it “shameful” and warning it would lead to further conflict.

Australia follows the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, which have also announced plans to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, New Zealand is reportedly considering a similar recognition, according to its Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

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