London, UK – 12 August 2025
In a significant diplomatic shift that has put further pressure on the Israeli government, both France and Australia have announced their intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine. The moves, set to be finalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September, come as part of a coordinated effort with other nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada, and signal a growing international impatience with the Israeli government’s policies and the prolonged humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The announcements were made in separate statements, but both conveyed a similar message: that a two-state solution is the only viable path to a lasting peace, and that the Israeli government’s actions, particularly its military offensive in Gaza and its rejection of a two-state solution, have undermined the peace process. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that his government would “recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own,” emphasizing that the decision was a reflection of the global momentum to “break the cycle of violence.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza, had a similar message. His office stated that France’s decision was driven by its assessment that the prospect of a two-state solution was in “mortal danger” and that the international community could no longer wait for a resolution to be negotiated between the parties alone. This move places France as the first G7 nation to take this step, a decision that analysts say could influence other major economies to follow suit.
The announcements have been met with a mix of celebration and fury. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the news, calling it a “principled decision” and a “vital starting point” toward achieving peace and Palestinian self-determination. However, some Palestinian advocates in both countries expressed skepticism, with the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) describing the move as a “political fig leaf” that would do little to stop the “ongoing genocide in Gaza” unless accompanied by concrete actions, such as sanctions against Israel.
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Meanwhile, the Israeli government has reacted with strong condemnation. Ahead of Australia’s official announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the prospect of Western nations recognizing a Palestinian state “shameful” and a “canard” that would not change the reality on the ground. Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, stated that the move “elevates the position of Hamas” and would undermine efforts to achieve genuine peace. This sentiment was echoed by Jewish community leaders in both countries, who expressed deep concern that the recognition would remove any incentive for Palestinians to negotiate in good faith and would reward terrorism. The United States has also distanced itself from the decisions, with Vice-President J.D. Vance reiterating that the U.S. has no plans to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, as it believes statehood should be the result of a final agreement between both sides.
The recognition by France and Australia, along with similar pledges from the UK and Canada, marks a significant diplomatic shift. The practical implications are still being determined, but for now, the recognition is seen as largely symbolic. However, it does grant Palestine more legal and diplomatic leverage on the international stage, including state immunity for its officials and the ability to mount legal claims against Israel in international bodies under state sovereignty. This coordinated diplomatic action represents a new front in the international response to the conflict, as a growing number of nations look to bypass the diplomatic deadlock and push for a lasting resolution.
