French diplomacy is actively targeting Australia to garner support for a new Middle East peace push, centered on the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Ahead of a significant UN-backed summit in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron is rallying Western nations, emphasizing that recognizing Palestine is crucial for achieving a two-state solution, citing both moral and political imperatives.
The upcoming summit, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20, is sparking speculation that France may formally recognize Palestine during the event to reignite 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, viewing early recognition as a tool to build momentum, rather than just a final outcome.
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 stated that Macron hopes this recognition would integrate into a broader political dynamic, facilitating both the establishment of a Palestinian state and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration, and specifically noted Australia’s strong commitment to these aims.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently delivered his strongest condemnation yet of Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza, labeling 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.”
