RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories: The planned recognition by several countries of a Palestinian state at a UN summit sends a clear message to Israel on its “illusions” of continuing its occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian foreign minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin told AFP on Wednesday. Several countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France and the United Kingdom have announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations summit co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris on September 22 in New York.

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories: The planned recognition by several countries of a Palestinian state at a UN summit sends a clear message to Israel on its “illusions” of…

A host of countries, including France and the UK, are expected to do the same when world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly next week.