Most countries in the United Nations — 147 out of 193 — already recognize a Palestinian state, which currently has observer status at the U.N.
Then, in the course of just the past week, three more countries — all major U.S. allies — said they would join their ranks.
First, France said it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, and in the days that followed, Britain and Canada announced that they, too, were prepared to follow suit. Britain said it would move forward if Israel did not agree to a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza by September, while Canada tied a final decision to political changes by the Palestinian Authority.
The announcements reflect the deep frustrations with Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza, analysts say, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and left a population of about two million in a state of extreme privation and hunger.
Several other European states, including Spain, Ireland and Norway, recognized a Palestinian state last year.
Among the 32 NATO countries, 14 have recognized a Palestinian state.
Among the Group of 20 industrialized nations, 10 already recognize a Palestinian state. Britain, Canada and France would bring that total to 13.
There are five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. The moves by France and Britain would leave the United States as the only permanent member that does not recognize a Palestinian state.
Last year, the United States blocked the Security Council from moving forward on a Palestinian bid to be recognized as a full member state at the United Nations. The vote was 12 in favor of the resolution and one — the United States — opposed, with abstentions from Britain and Switzerland.
Ephrat Livni contributed reporting.
Ashley Wu is a graphics reporter for The Times who uses data and visuals to help explain complex topics.
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