WELLINGTON: Australia will recognize a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Monday, joining the leaders of France, Britain and Canada in signaling they would do so. His remarks followed weeks of urging from within his Cabinet and from many in Australia to recognize a Palestinian state and amid growing criticism from officials in his government over suffering in Gaza. Australia’s government has also criticized plans announced in recent days by Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu for a sweeping new military offensive in Gaza.

Labor faces demands to accelerate its timeline to recognise Palestine as Israeli PM labels such a move ‘shameful’

Australia plans to recognise a Palestinian state as early as Monday, following similar moves by France, Britain and Canada, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.