Australia is the latest country to confirm it will recognise a Palestinian state, joining a growing list of Western governments agreeing to recognise it as a sovereign nation amid criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said Australia's decision to recognise a Palestinian state will be formalised at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

The State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 147 of the 193 UN member states. It is also recognised by the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN observer status.

France and Canada have confirmed they will recognise a Palestinian state from September. British prime minister, Keir Starmer, stated his government would only

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