More than three-quarters of the 193 members of the U.N. General Assembly already independently recognise a Palestinian state. But the opposition of the U.S., with its veto power on the U.N. Security Council, means the U.N. cannot admit Palestine as a full member - a move that would effectively recognise a Palestinian state at global level.

The United Kingdom plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel commits to peace in the Gaza Strip and to stopping the annexation of the West Bank.

Canada joins France and Britain in taking similar steps, after months of increasing criticism of Israel by Prime Minister Mark Carney.