Australia to Recognise Palestinian State at UN Summit

Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations summit in September, breaking with close ally the US as concern mounts over Israel's plans for a military campaign in parts of the Gaza Strip.

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SYDNEY - Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations summit in September, breaking with close ally the US as concern mounts over Israel's plans for a military campaign in parts of the Gaza Strip.

"A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters at Parliament House in Canberra following a Cabinet meeting on Aug 11.

The recognition - to be made at the 80th UN General Assembly - lends legitimacy to the cause of Palestinian statehood and would see Australia join France, Britain and Canada.

The US, so far, has opposed recognition of a Palestinian state outside of a peace agreement with Israel.

The Netanyahu government on Aug 8 authorised an advance on Gaza City, after talks on a third ceasefire between Israel and Hamas stalled in July.