An international law expert at the Australian National University has weighed in on the UN-backed summit, characterizing it as a “novel process” aimed at a different approach to Middle East peace. This expert insight comes as Australia faces pressure from France to join an international push for Palestinian statehood recognition, a move French President Emmanuel Macron deems a moral and political necessity.
The upcoming summit in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20, is anticipated to be a pivotal moment where France might formally recognize Palestine itself, thereby seeking to kickstart the dormant peace process. While 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have not. However, recent remarks from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong suggest a potential shift in this long-held position, indicating that recognition could now be seen as a momentum-building tool.
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 highlighted that Macron envisions this recognition as part of a broader political dynamic, fostering both Palestinian state establishment and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration, acknowledging Australia’s strong commitment to these objectives.
Further signaling a potential policy recalibration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently delivered his strongest rebuke yet of Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza, calling 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.”