UN Member States’ Stance: Australia Among Few Not Recognizing Palestine

Australia stands among a minority of UN member states that have not yet recognized Palestine, in contrast to 147 of the 193 nations that already do. This position is now under intense international scrutiny as French President Emmanuel Macron leads a push for global recognition of Palestinian statehood, lobbying Western nations, including Australia, 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 generating considerable buzz, with speculation that France might formally recognize Palestine during the event to reignite the peace process. While Australia, the UK, and the US have historically held back, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent statements suggest a potential shift in Australia’s long-held position, indicating that recognition could now be seen as a momentum-building tool.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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 stated that Macron hopes this recognition would integrate into a broader political dynamic, facilitating both the establishment of a Palestinian state and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration, and specifically noted Australia’s strong commitment to these aims.
Adding to the speculation of a policy shift, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently delivered his strongest condemnation yet of Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza, labeling it an “outrage.” This aligns with the humanitarian concerns driving Macron’s push for a tougher international stance. In contrast, the Australian opposition insists that any recognition of Palestinian statehood must be contingent on the release of all hostages and the surrender of Hamas’s terrorist capabilities, arguing that premature recognition would be “rewarding terrorism.”