UK and France plan to recognize Palestine, pressuring Australia to reconsider its stance.

The UK and France are moving towards recognizing Palestine as a state, putting pressure on Australia to follow suit. Currently, around 147 countries recognize Palestine, but key nations including the US, UK, France, Canada, Australia, and Japan do not. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed a desire for meaningful recognition that supports an independent Palestine free from Israeli occupation. Recognition would lead to formal diplomatic relations and direct aid to Palestine, but Australia is cautious and has set high preconditions.