Macron’s ‘Moral Obligation’ Plea: Australia Faces Decision on Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron’s impassioned plea for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, which he calls a “moral obligation” and a “political necessity,” is putting Australia in a critical decision-making position. France is actively lobbying Western nations, including Australia, to join this international push ahead of a crucial UN-backed summit in New York, designed to accelerate the two-state solution.
The upcoming conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20, is widely anticipated to be a moment of potential breakthroughs, with speculation that France may formally recognize Palestine to reignite the peace process. While a substantial majority of UN member states (147 out of 193) already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have not. However, there are signs that Australia’s long-standing policy might be changing, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong indicating that recognition could be a tool to build momentum, not just a final step.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its engagement with international partners, including Australia, on its four key objectives 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 articulated Macron’s vision of this recognition contributing to a broader political dynamic that advances both Palestinian state establishment and Israel’s regional integration, specifically noting Australia’s strong commitment to these aims.
Adding to the shifting landscape, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently delivered his strongest critique 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.”