(MENAFN) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated his administration’s commitment to acknowledging Palestinian statehood, emphasizing the international community's desire for peace in the Middle East, according to a news agency on Monday.

Albanese defended this pivotal foreign policy stance after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticized the decision during his speech at the recent UN General Assembly session.

"I think the world has made our position clear overwhelmingly. People want to see peace and a ceasefire in the Middle East. They want to see hostages released, they want to see aid go to the people of Gaza," Albanese stated during a public address in the United Kingdom after a meeting with King Charles.

The prime minister highlighted that Australia’s recognition of Palestine aligns with similar actions taken by Canada and the United Kingdom, framing it as part of a “coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.”

This diplomatic recognition emerges amid Israel’s deadly military campaign in Gaza, which has, since October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of more than 66,000 Palestinians—many of whom are women and children—prompting widespread global concern and calls for a peaceful resolution.

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