Some 160 states have signed up to recognize a Palestinian state. In the last week, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia have done so, but the prospect of it becoming a reality amid US opposition and Israeli resistance is at best a distant one.

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply denounced Western countries on Friday for embracing Palestinian statehood, accusing them of sending the message that "murdering Jews pays off.

The Israeli leader showered praise on US President Donald Trump, did not address West Bank annexation and denounced recognition of Palestine

UNITED NATIONS — President Donald Trump is not happy with some top U.S. allies’ decision to recognize a Palestinian state at this week’s U.N. General Assembly, and rebuked them in New York for what he described as a “reward” for acts of terrorism by Hamas.

Dozens of world leaders gathered to rally support for a two-state solution at the U.N. General Assembly after a number of U.S. allies formally recognized Palestine as a state.

Israeli security officials urge restricting PA leaders' movement and income sources but warn against harming civilians, Army Radio reported. Senior Israeli security officials recommended the imposition of sanctions on senior Palestinian Authority officials,

President Donald Trump condemned France, U.K., Australia and Canada for recognizing a Palestinian state, saying it encourages continued conflict and emboldens Hamas after Oct. 7 attacks.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Western countries they were giving Hamas a "reward" for recognizing a Palestinian state.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said he is ready to work with world leaders to implement a peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians announced by France on Monday. Speaking via video at the UN General Assembly, Abbas reiterated his rejection of a future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and demanded it disarm.

French official Pascal Confavreux defends U.N. Palestinian statehood initiative against Trump's criticism that it rewards Hamas for Oct. 7 attacks.