Australia to Recognise Palestinian State

"The risk of trying is nothing compared to the danger of letting this moment pass us by. The toll of the status quo is growing by the day and it could be measured in innocent lives," Mr Albanese said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it had been more than 77 years since the world promised a Palestinian state.

"In the nearly two years since October 7, we have been working with the international community on breaking the cycle of violence," she said.

"We can't keep waiting for the end of a peace process that has ground to a halt."

"The arguments he put to me were very similar to the arguments he put more than a year ago. It seems to me very clearly … we need a political solution, not a military one," he said.

"I have said it publicly and I said it directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu: the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears.

"Far too many innocent lives have been lost. The Israeli government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food and water to desperate people, including children.

"This vital aid must be allowed to get to the people who need it most. This is about much more than drawing a line on a map."

Ahead of the decision, Mr Netanyahu told journalists that Australia and other nations were "delusional" for thinking Palestinian recognition would bring peace.

"To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole, just like that. Fall right into it … I think it's actually shameful, but it's not going to change our position," Mr Netanyahu said.

"This is a practical contribution towards building momentum," Mr Albanese said.

"This is not Australia acting alone. What we are seeing is a range of countries engaging in detailed dialogue … behind the scenes, if you like, about what peace looks like in the region."

The Palestinian Authority's President Mahmoud Abbas told Anthony Albanese last week that Australia could play an "important" role as a diplomatic middle power by recognising Palestine.

US President Donald Trump has said recognising Palestine in September would be "rewarding Hamas" after its October 7, 2023, attack, when hundreds of Israeli civilians were killed and more than 200 people taken hostage.