Portugal has announced it will recognise the state of Palestine on Sunday, becoming the latest Western nation to confirm a major policy shift as the war in Gaza continues.
The foreign ministry made the announcement ahead of next week’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. France, the UK, Canada and Australia are also preparing to recognise Palestinian statehood in coordinated moves expected to be unveiled around the summit.
Israel has condemned the decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recognition “rewards terror” in the aftermath of Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken hostage. The United States, Israel’s main ally, has echoed Netanyahu’s view.
During a state visit to London this week, US President Donald Trump, speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, said he opposed recognition of a Palestinian state at this time.
Around three-quarters of the UN’s 193 members already recognise Palestine, which was granted the status of non-member observer state in 2012.
The announcement comes as Israeli tanks and troops continue their advance into Gaza City as part of a ground offensive.