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

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said countries recognising a Palestinian state this week were taking an irreversible step that preserved the two-state solution and brought Palestinian independence and sovereignty closer.

DescriptionThe quest for Palestinian independence is set to get a major boost as several diplomatic heavyweights are expected to recognize a State of Palestine.

The apparently coordinated action comes amid mounting criticism of Israel's assault on Gaza, and its blocking of aid.

With the president approaching 90 years of age and another possible candidate in jail, finding the right leadership would be a challenge

The French president has rallied 142 nations behind a road map for a two-state solution after the Gaza war ends. Missing from the list: Israel and the United States.