Overview

• Australia’s decision took effect Sunday night alongside recognitions by the UK and Canada as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly.
• The government says the step aims to revive a two‑state pathway, with initial priorities being a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages taken on October 7, 2023.
• Conditions set by Australia include no role for Hamas in future governance and Palestinian Authority recognition of Israel plus commitments to elections and reforms in finance, governance and education.
• Israel rejected the recognitions, warning they would further destabilize the region and declaring it would not accept arrangements that impose “indefensible borders.”
• Republican U.S. lawmakers cautioned the move could invite punitive measures, Australia’s opposition labeled it a “hollow gesture,” and pro‑Palestine rallies urged the government to impose sanctions on Israel.