Japanese PM says Palestine recognition only a matter of time

United Nations: Japan's prime minister told the United Nations on Tuesday that Tokyo's recognition of the State of Palestine was a matter of "when, not if," voicing indignation over recent remarks by Israeli officials. Nearly 80% of UN members already recognize Palestine, with countries including Britain, Canada and France joining that list this week after nearly two years of conflict in Gaza.

"I feel strongly indignant at statements made by senior Israeli government officials that appear to categorically reject the very notion of Palestinian state-building," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said. "For Japan, the question is not whether to recognize a Palestinian state, but when. The continued unilateral actions by the government of Israel can never be accepted," he said.