One expert has offered clarification around what recognising Palestine as a state means, ahead of New Zealand's decision. 

Canada, the UK, and Australia have now formally recognised an independent Palestinian state.

Winston Peters is in New York for the UN General Assembly and will reveal New Zealand's position later this week.

Australia National University lecturer, Dr Anas Iqtait, says this means recognising a hypothetical Palestinian state - which would occupy the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. 

"This symbolic nature is really related to this reality, rather than the other point - which is, there isn't currently sovereignty on the ground, it's a hypothetical state."

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