Australia has officially recognised the state of Palestine, bucking long-standing foreign policy, as the prime minister prepares to walk a diplomatic tightrope.

Australia, the UK and Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood came into effect from Sunday night after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in the US for a long-awaited United Nations General Assembly meeting.

The three countries have joined more than 140 United Nations member states that recognise Palestine in a bid to build new momentum for a two-state solution as humanitarian suffering in Gaza worsens.

"Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," Mr Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement.

"Today's act of recognition re

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