Associated Press<a href='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/ck.php?n=afef72b0&cb=291' target='_blank'><img data-src='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=22&cb=291&n=afef72b0' border='0' alt='' /></a>The U.K., Australia and Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, prompting an angry response from Israel, which ruled out the prospect. Today we join over 150 countries who recognize a Palestinian state also." Later on Sunday, Portugal said it was recognizing a Palestinian state as well. Diplomatic shiftThe U.K. has for decades supported an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but insisted recognition must come as part of a peace plan to achieve a two-state solution. The creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel is seen internationally as the only realistic way to resolve the conflict for the long-term.