Australia, following the lead of the United Kingdom, France and Canada, announced plans to recognize Palestine as a state in September.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the decision would be implemented at the UN General Assembly in September. He added that the country had reached this decision following the Palestinian Authority's pledges.

"A two-state solution is humanity's best hope for breaking the cycle of violence in the Middle East and ending the conflict, suffering and hunger in Gaza," he said.

Israel, which is under increasing pressure to end its war in Gaza, opposes recognizing a Palestinian state, saying it "rewards terrorism."