Portugal has declared its intention to officially recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday. This move positions Portugal as the latest Western nation to adjust its policy on the issue, as the conflict in the Gaza Strip continues without a clear end in sight.
The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed this decision in the lead-up to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings scheduled for next week in New York. Several other countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, are reportedly preparing to make similar announcements.
The decision has drawn criticism from Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that such a move “rewards terror.” This sentiment was echoed by the United States, Israel’s key ally, which has also expressed reservations about recognizing a Palestinian state at this time.
Currently, approximately three-quarters of the UN’s 193 member states already recognize a Palestinian state. Palestine was granted the status of a non-member observer state by the UN in 2012. As world leaders convene for the UNGA, the situation on the ground remains tense, with Israeli military operations continuing in Gaza City.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza began in response to the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. According to the Gaza health ministry, the ongoing Israeli actions have led to at least 65,141 Palestinian casualties.