Australia has confirmed it will vote in favor of recognizing Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy stance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement in Canberra, describing the two-state solution as “the best chance for lasting peace” in the region. The decision follows commitments from the Palestinian Authority to recognize Israel’s right to exist, establish a demilitarized state, carry out governance reforms, and exclude Hamas from any future administration.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, standing alongside the prime minister, stressed that the world could no longer wait for peace efforts to restart. “This September is an opportunity to replace despair with hope,” she said, urging the international community to take meaningful action.

The move comes amid mounting global criticism of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which Palestinian health officials say have resulted in tens of thousands of civilian casualties since the October 2023 Hamas attack.

Israel’s leadership has condemned Australia’s decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeling such recognition as “shameful” and warning that his country will maintain its military presence in Gaza, a stance Australia’s foreign minister has cautioned could breach international law.

Domestically, the announcement has divided opinion. Jewish community leaders have called the recognition “premature,” while supporters within the ruling Labor Party say it aligns with Australia’s longstanding policy goals. Wong confirmed that further diplomatic steps, such as opening an Australian embassy in Palestine, will depend on the Palestinian Authority fulfilling its commitments.

Australia joins a growing list of nations, including France, Canada, and the UK, that have recently signaled support for Palestinian statehood, hoping it could revive stalled peace negotiations.