Australia’s centre-left government is preparing to recognise a Palestinian state within days, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expected to seek cabinet approval at a meeting on Monday, according to reports in the Sydney Morning Herald and other local outlets. Ministers have signalled for months that recognition was “a matter of when, not if.” If confirmed, the decision would align Canberra with France, Canada and the United Kingdom, which recently announced similar steps amid mounting concern over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The Australian newspaper said Foreign Minister Penny Wong has already advised her Israeli counterpart that Labor intends to support Palestinian statehood ahead of a United Nations vote next month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the prospective move, labelling it “disappointing” and “shameful” and arguing it would reward Hamas, the militant group that governs parts of Gaza. He told reporters the measure would not alter Israel’s stance on Palestinian sovereignty. Domestic critics, including opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan, urged Albanese to clarify what role Hamas might play in any future Palestinian administration. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke countered that Australia has recognised other states whose territories were partly controlled by terrorist organisations, citing precedents in Syria and Iraq. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the recognition is inevitable.