Guyana has recognized Palestinian statehood, joining a string of other South American nations in a push for Palestinians and Israelis to negotiate a peace deal.
A Thursday foreign ministry statement says Guyana hopes increasing recognition by nations will "contribute to a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the creation of lasting peace and stability in the region."
Palestinians are increasingly lobbying nations for recognition as leverage toward an elusive peace deal with Israel .Several South American nations have recognized Palestinian statehood in recent weeks.
Israeli officials have reacted to the declarations by calling them meaningless and counterproductive to the peace process.