New York: Palestinian statehood and the pursuit of a two-state solution are set to dominate discussions at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly on September 9. France, Canada, Australia, Malta, Portugal, and Belgium have declared their intention to recognize a Palestinian state during the assembly. The United Kingdom has also expressed a willingness to do the same, contingent on Israel making significant moves towards peace in the Gaza Strip, such as agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas and permitting UN aid into the enclave.
According to Deutsche Welle, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have consistently criticized efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood, arguing that such moves would