As the Israel Defense Forces continued airstrikes in Gaza City over the weekend, international support for a two-state solution appeared increasingly tenuous. Heavy bombardments targeted densely populated areas, while bulldozers cleared land in the West Bank for new settlements. This situation has raised questions about the viability of a Palestinian state.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently described the Gaza Strip as a potential "real estate bonanza." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "There will be no Palestinian state," emphasizing Israel's commitment to its current policies. This rhetoric comes as countries like Australia, France, the UK, Canada, Portugal, and New Zealand have announced their support for recognizing a Palestinian state.

The tragic story of ten-year-old Amina Al-Mufti highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict. Amina was killed by a missile strike while fetching water for her family. Her parents had expected her to return quickly, but she never made it back home.

In recent months, the idea of Australia recognizing Palestine seemed unlikely. However, the geopolitical landscape is shifting. Analysts refer to this as the "G minus one world," where national leaders are leveraging their influence to pressure the United States and Israel to halt the violence in Gaza. Despite these efforts, both nations appear to be entrenched in their positions.

The push for recognition of Palestine is seen as a last-ditch effort to keep the two-state solution alive, even if it is struggling for survival. The current Israeli occupation of Gaza City marks a significant change from two decades ago when Israeli soldiers forcibly removed Jewish settlers from the area. Now, military forces are returning with tanks and bulldozers.

Australia's stance on recognizing Palestine has evolved. Previously, the country maintained that recognition would come only after a workable solution was found between Israel and the Palestinians. Now, Australia views recognition as a crucial step toward achieving a two-state solution.

This shift aims to lend credibility to the proposal outlined in the New York declaration, which received overwhelming support from the UN General Assembly, passing with 142 votes in favor and 10 against, along with 12 abstentions. The declaration details the necessary actions for all parties to work toward a lasting peace.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that Australia's recognition of Palestine is not merely symbolic. They assert that it is part of a coordinated international effort to support the two-state solution and address the ongoing conflict.