Australia has officially recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, in a move it hopes will build momentum for a two-state solution. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the declaration at the United Nations overnight, joining other nations including the United Kingdom and Canada. 

It comes as Israel's military has kept up its assault on Gaza City, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee further south.

• Guest: Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for Palestinian Human Rights
• Producer: Anne Barker