Australia recognises 'independent and sovereign State of Palestine': PM Anthony Albanese

Australia "formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine", Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday.

"In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," Albanese said in a statement as his country joined other major Western nations in increasing pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

"Today's act of recognition reflects Australia's longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples."