Australia to recognise Palestinian state next month

Other PA reforms would include the end of the so-called “pay for slay” scheme rewarding violence against Israelis and the introduction of international monitoring to prevent incitement in the West Bank.

He also said that the decision was "part of a coordinated global effort building momentum for a two-state solution," likely referencing the similar announcements by France, Canada and the UK - the latter of which was strongly condemned by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis yesterday.

And he levelled criticism at Israel, which he accused of “continuing to defy” international law, adding that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “beyond the world’s worst dreams”.

Albanese confirmed that he had spoken to both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and PA President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as his counterparts in the UK, France, Japan and New Zealand.

However, the move was condemned by Zionist and Jewish groups in Australia, with the Australian Jewish Association declaring it a "gift to Hamas".

Meanwhile, New Zealand is considering following the lead of its trans-Tasman neighbour, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters saying the issue will be considered at an upcoming cabinet meeting.

He said: “New Zealand has long asked whether the pre-requisites for a viable and legitimate Palestinian state - in security, political, diplomatic and economic terms - exist.

"Fundamentally, we will need to weigh up whether sufficient progress is being made against these benchmarks in order to warrant New Zealand recognising a Palestinian state at this juncture.

"We will be taking heed of the facts on the ground deteriorating rapidly, our close partners being divided on the issue of recognition, and a range of Arab states making clear Hamas must disarm and must have no future role in Palestinian governance.”

However, he added: “This is not a straightforward, clear-cut issue. There are a broad range of strongly held views within our government, Parliament and indeed New Zealand society over the question of recognition of a Palestinian state.”