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ACFID welcomes Australia’s recognition of Palestinian State

Aug 12, 2025 | Media Releases

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong’s announcement that Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly in September.

ACFID welcomes this as a vital step to long-term peace and stability in the region, helping to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, and to enable a more effective and principled international response grounded in International Humanitarian Law.

“Recognising Palestine reinforces the rights and protections of Palestinians facing displacement, violence, and starvation”, said ACFID CEO Matthew Maury.  “It affirms their right to self-determination and sends a clear message that civilians must be protected.”

The situation in Gaza is dire. Over 60,000 people have been killed since October 7th, 2023, including children and those seeking humanitarian aid. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), 495,000 people are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, with the entire population experiencing acute food insecurity.

“With more than 2 million people in Gaza enduring catastrophic conditions and facing severely restricted access to life-saving assistance, Australia’s recognition of Palestine adds to the mounting global pressure for urgent humanitarian access and protection,” continued Mr Maury.

ACFID continues to issue calls for an immediate ceasefire and scaled-up principled humanitarian assistance, the end of the blockade, and for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact ACFID Media at  [email protected]  or call 0401 721 064 

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