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United Nations

Australia's Recognition of Palestine: A Shift in the Middle East Dynamics

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The international community has seen a significant shift in the recognition of the state of Palestine, with major powers like France and the UK taking steps towards acknowledging the Palestinian people's inalienable right to statehood. This development could pave the way for Australia, which has been inching closer to formal recognition in recent weeks, to follow suit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of states that recognise the state of Palestine has grown to approximately 147, with major powers like France and the UK signalling a shift in their stance.
  • The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced that his country will recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly meetings in September, unless Israel agrees to a number of conditions.
  • The additional conditions set by Australia for the recognition of Palestine include the release of the remaining Israeli hostages captured in Hamas' attack in October 2023, the demilitarisation of Hamas, and the reform of the Palestinian Authority.
  • The Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, has indicated that he is prepared to hold presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of 2025, but it is unclear if free and fair elections can be held in Gaza under Israeli assault.
  • Australia's recognition of Palestine, once formalised, would have real practical effects, including the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the flow of direct aid and assistance, and the possibility of rebuilding Gaza.
  • The shift in recognition comes as part of a broader discussion on the criteria for statehood, with the 1933 Montevideo Convention on Rights and Duties of States identifying four key legal criteria: defined boundaries, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into international relations.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 147 states currently recognise the state of Palestine.
  • The number of independent recognised states has grown rapidly since the second world war, from 51 original members to the current 197.
  • The United Nations has 193 member states.
  • The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced that the UK will recognise Palestine unless Israel agrees to a number of conditions.

Sources:

  • The Conversation (Au and NZ) -- By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University
  • The UK Prime Minister's announcement
  • The Palestinian Authority's President, Mahmoud Abbas' statement
  • The 1933 Montevideo Convention on Rights and Duties of States

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