Australia’s diplomatic engagement is intensifying as it prepares for a crucial Middle East conference, facing pressure to join an international push for Palestinian statehood led by French President Emmanuel Macron. The upcoming UN-backed summit in New York is designed to accelerate momentum for a two-state solution, with France actively lobbying Western nations, including Australia and the UK.
Speculation is growing that France, co-chairing the June 17-20 conference with Saudi Arabia, will use the event to formally recognize Palestine in an attempt to kickstart the peace process. While 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have not. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent statements suggest a potential shift in Australia’s long-held position, indicating that recognition could now be seen as a momentum-building tool.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its engagement with international partners, including Australia, on its four key priorities for the summit: recognition of a state of Palestine, normalization of regional relations, reform of the Palestinian Authority, and disarmament of Hamas. A French spokesperson highlighted that Macron envisions this recognition as part of a broader political dynamic, fostering both Palestinian state establishment and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration, acknowledging Australia’s strong commitment to these objectives.
Further signaling a potential policy recalibration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently delivered his strongest rebuke yet of Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza, calling it an “outrage.” This aligns with Macron’s call for European nations to adopt a “harder collective stance” on Israel if the humanitarian crisis persists. Conversely, Australia’s opposition maintains a firm stance, arguing that Palestinian statehood should only be recognized following a comprehensive peace process that includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas, warning against “rewarding terrorism.”