VILNIUS – With a growing number of Western countries recognizing a Palestinian state, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys says such steps will not help ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. "In Lithuania, the issue of recognition is assessed from this perspective: how does it help solve concrete problems? French President Emmanuel Macron officially recognized a Palestinian state at the United Nations on Monday. On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognized a Palestinian state, adding diplomatic pressure on Israel as it presses ahead with its war in Gaza. Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized Palestine in May 2024, and Sweden did so more than a decade ago.