As the Israel Defense Forces continued airstrikes in Gaza City over the weekend, international support for a two-state solution appeared increasingly tenuous. Israel's actions, including the establishment of new settlements in the West Bank, have raised concerns about the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "There will be no Palestinian state," while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich referred to the Gaza Strip as a potential "real estate bonanza."

In a significant shift, Australia, along with countries like France, the UK, Canada, Portugal, and New Zealand, announced support for recognizing a Palestinian state. This move comes as leaders seek to apply pressure on both the United States and Israel to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Analysts describe this as part of a broader strategy in a world increasingly viewed as operating without U.S. influence.

The recognition of Palestine is seen as a last-ditch effort to keep the two-state solution alive, even as the situation on the ground deteriorates. The Israeli military's occupation of Gaza City marks a stark contrast to two decades ago when Israeli soldiers forcibly removed settlers from the area. The current geopolitical landscape suggests that the possibility of a two-state solution may not be entirely lost, as political dynamics continue to evolve.

Australia's previous stance was that recognition of Palestine would occur only after a workable solution was found. However, the current position emphasizes that recognition is now part of the process toward achieving a two-state solution. This change aims to lend credibility to the New York declaration, which outlines steps necessary for lasting peace and was recently endorsed by the UN General Assembly with 142 votes in favor.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia's recognition of Palestine is part of a coordinated international effort to build momentum for a two-state solution. They emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken during the conflict. The Palestinian Authority (PA) is expected to recognize Israel's right to exist and commit to democratic reforms, while Hamas is excluded from any future Palestinian state.

Despite the Israeli government's irritation at countries recognizing Palestine, it views these actions as more of a nuisance than a significant setback. Future steps may include establishing diplomatic relations and opening embassies, contingent on the PA's progress in implementing reforms.

The Australian government highlighted the importance of leadership from the Arab League and the United States in achieving peace. While many Arab nations have expressed outrage over the situation in Gaza, they have not yet imposed significant sanctions on Israel.

A recent UN report has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, marking a critical moment in international discourse regarding the conflict. The signatories of the New York declaration believe their actions will send a strong message to both Israel and the United States, indicating that the international community's tolerance for ongoing violence is waning.

As global outrage grows, there are increasing calls for trade sanctions and cultural boycotts against Israel. The hope is that the push for Palestinian statehood will amplify these pressures and signal a serious commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.