Australia has formally recognised Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, a decision Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as a step towards reviving Middle East peace talks.
Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr Albanese joined leaders from the UK and Canada in reaffirming support for a two-state solution and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among students and advocacy groups.
UOW Palestine Society President Ryan Chapman said the decision won’t have any practical effects on the conflict.
“I don’t think it’s going to change much at all. Recognition isn’t going to stop the bombs dropping on Gaza City,’ Mr Chapman said.
“If he wanted to do something meaningful and material, he should sanction Israel immediately and halt the arms trade that Australia currently has with Israel.”
The announcement follows a large-scale protest on Sydney Harbour bridge, where demonstrators demanded stronger government action.
“I think he was under a lot of mass pressure,” Mr Chapman said.
“But I think he also knew that it was a largely symbolic thing that he could do to try and take momentum out of this movement.”
Supported by UOW students, the movement remains active in its advocacy efforts.
UOW law student Lilly Coombes welcomed the decision, describing it as long overdue.
“The right to be a sovereign state and have autonomy affairs that concern the people of your nation is a basic international law principle,” Miss Coombes said.
“I hope it is the beginning of meaningful action in support to condemn and implement resolutions against this genocide This recognition should have already occurred decades ago and should never have been controversial.”
Nationally, Jewish leaders have raised concerns. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry said the move risks heightening tensions in the region.
They argue the recognition offers little prospect of achieving peace and may instead prolong the conflict.
