France has announced that it will recognize Palestine as a country in the United Nations General Assembly. Earlier on Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized it.

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, has responded to this matter and said, "Getting the status of statehood (state) is the right of the Palestinians, not a reward." He has also emphasized that the two-nation principle is the only way for permanent peace between Israel and Palestine. 

Guterres said, "The solution through the two-state principle is the only reliable way for the citizens of Israel and Palestine to achieve lasting peace, comprehensive peace and security in the Middle East."