Cliff Notes
- The UK, Canada, and Australia have officially recognised a Palestinian state, a decision condemned as “absurd” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The three nations framed their recognition within the context of preserving a two-state solution, a concept Israel currently rejects.
- As diplomatic talks progress, Israel continues intense military operations in Gaza City, claiming at least 34 lives overnight, with over 100 fatalities reported the previous day.
Gaza latest: UK pushes peace plan as fourth Western nation recognises Palestine before talks at UN | World News
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That’s all for our live coverage of the war in Gaza and wider Middle East for now.
Today’s major news was the formal recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK, Canada and Australia.
The move was condemned by Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it “absurd”.
Watch Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement here…
All three nations framed their decisions as trying to preserve a two-state solution, at a time when Israel is refusing to countenance such an idea.
Meanwhile, Israel tried to claim the move rewards Hamas – a criticism we’ve long heard from the country.
Our Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons said the move was largely symbolic – but he pointed out symbolism mattered in Gaza and Israel.
Watch his analysis here…
While diplomatic developments unfolded at pace, Israel continued its assault on Gaza City.
The urban centre is thought to be Hamas’s last stronghold.
Israel has demanded that Palestinians leave and move south, and has been pounding the city, levelling high-rise buildings in recent weeks.
Overnight, at least 34 people were killed, mostly in Gaza City.
But yesterday, across the enclave, more than 100 people were killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
And looking ahead…
The UN General Assembly continues this week, where more nations may also recognise a Palestinian state.
At the same event in New York, Netanyahu is due to speak as well, to put forward his own case.