Guyana became the 10th nation to recognize a Palestinian state on Thursday, joining Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador who all pronounced their support over the past two months.

Two other South American nations, Paraguay and Uruguay said recognition would come in 2011, while recognition from Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Cuba came during the 1980s.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth made the latest announcement on Friday, saying the move comes as a "push for Palestinians and Israelis to negotiate a peace deal."

Guyana informed the Palestinian foreign ministry, which issued a letter saying the country hoped that recognition of a Palestinian state would "contribute to a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the creation of lasting peace and stability in the region."

Both Israel and the United States have condemned the series of recognitions, saying that a negotiated peace is the only way forward.

The European Union said it would recognize a Palestinian state at the "appropriate" time.