Canberra, Aug. 11 -- Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, aiming to contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages, a media statement by the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said on Monday.

The statement recalled that since 1947, Australia has supported Israel's existence. It noted that Australia's Foreign Minister Evatt chaired the UN committee that recommended the creation of two states side by side. Australia was also the first country to raise its hand at the United Nations in support of Resolution 181, to create the State of Israel - and a Palestinian state.

According...