Australia Recognized Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September

• Australia recognized Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.
• The decision was prompted by a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Netanyahu called this decision "urgent" and "encouraging for terrorism."

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country recognized Palestine as a state at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting, which will take place at the end of September. This decision was made unconditionally, relying on guarantees received from the Palestinian autonomy, which controls part of the Western Bank.

Albanese noted that during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, he argued the necessity of a political solution that would stop the violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He emphasized that a two-state solution is the best hope for resolving the conflict and suffering.

In response to this, Netanyahu called Australia's decision "urgent" and stated that it "encourages terrorism." He also noted that the Israeli army usually acts to protect its citizens.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with reports of famine and an increasing number of civilian casualties. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, in recent days, five people have died from starvation, including a child.

Australia's decision has provoked a mixed reaction in the country. Some activists consider it insufficient, while representatives of the Jewish community in Australia have called it a "betrayal." Albanese noted that the country does not act alone, but is part of a global movement for the recognition of Palestine.

Tags: Middle East/Politics