The separation wall next to the Arab neighbourhood of Al-Eizariya, near where the Israeli government says housing units will be built as part of a new settlement project. Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

The quest for Palestinian independence is set to get a major boost as several diplomatic heavyweights, including the United Kingdom, France and Canada, are expected to recognize a State of Palestine ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

Formal recognition by three G7 countries – two of which are also permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – along with Australia, Portugal, Belgium and others – will mark a symbolic milestone for the Palestinian cause. But the current situation on the ground makes it almost impossible to imagine that a two-state solution, through which a sover

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