Nearly 150 of 193 U.N. member states recognize Palestinian statehood, including most countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. But currently, only a fraction of Western countries do—mostly former members of the Soviet Union—although momentum appears to be growing.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has officially announced Australia’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, which will take place from September 10 to September 24,

Momentum is building internationally for the recognition of a Palestinian state, with four new countries declaring they are ready to take the step. Though the move is largely seen as symbolic, some say it still carries great diplomatic and moral weight.