Overview

• Ishiba told the UN General Assembly the question for Japan is not whether to recognize Palestine but when, voicing outrage at Israel’s categorical rejection of Palestinian statehood.
• He said Japan would be forced to take new measures if further steps are taken that hinder realization of a two-state solution.
• Recent recognitions by the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia and Portugal have expanded the tally to 153 UN member states acknowledging Palestine.
• Smaller European governments, including Andorra, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco and San Marino, have joined the recognition wave as pressure builds in multilateral forums.
• The momentum comes as the UN Human Rights Commission now says genocide has occurred in Gaza and as Washington continues to back Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.