Spain, Ireland and Norway last month officially recognised Palestine as a state.
Madrid, Dublin and Oslo said they sought to accelerate efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza. The three countries say they hope their decision will spur other European Union countries to follow suit.
But what is a state, and how does it differ from a 'nation'?
Dr Stephen Young, associate professor of Law at the University of Otago joins Emile Donovan.