Australia Abstains From UN Resolution on Israel, Edges Closer to Recognition of Palestinian State

Australia has held back its vote at the UN urging Israel to pull back from The West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

An emblem of the United Nations is pictured on the arm of a German armed forces Bundeswehr soldiers at the military air base in Wunstorf, northern Germany, on Dec. 15, 2023. Ronny Hartmann/ AFP via Getty Images

Australia has abstained from voting on a Palestinian resolution put forward at the United Nations (U.N.) that called for Israel to withdraw from Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank.

The move comes as Australia’s ambassador to the U.N. said the nation was nearing recognition of a Palestinian state as an integral part of the peace process.