France and Saudi Arabia hope to use this year’s United Nations General Assembly and the increasingly horrific war in the Gaza Strip to inject new urgency into the quest for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

France and Saudi Arabia will convene dozens of world leaders on Monday to rally support for a two-state solution, with several of them expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state - a move that could draw harsh Israeli and U.

The UK has officially recognised a Palestinian state. Here's Sir Keir Starmer's announcement in full. In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment, we have neither. u2029

The U.K. is expected to recognize a Palestinian state later Sunday, despite U.S. opposition. This move is largely symbolic, but the U.K. hopes it could increase diplomatic pressure to end the conflict in Gaza and pave the way for lasting peace.

The decision aligned them with about 140 other countries which also back Palestinians' aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the Israeli-occupied territories.

DescriptionThe quest for Palestinian independence is set to get a major boost as several diplomatic heavyweights are expected to recognize a State of Palestine.

Israeli strikes have killed at least 30 people in Gaza City, including children, according to health officials.