Portugal has joined the list of nations that have officially recognised the Palestinian state ahead of the United Nations General Assembly’s annual session next week in New York.
Palestinian statehood, along with the ongoing war in Gaza, is expected to dominate this year’s UNGA agenda.
Lisbon will join three prominent nations — Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom — in confirming their decision on Sunday.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said, “We have no hesitation regarding the idea that we want to have peaceful, fruitful relations with both states and that, evidently, we wish that Israel could understand our position.”
He added that the move was not intended to be “against Israel”, but rather in favour of peace and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed Lisbon’s decision, calling it a courageous step during times of diplomatic suppression and pushback by Israel and its supporters.
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“The step is consistent with international law and United Nations resolutions, and one that bolsters ongoing efforts to achieve peace and advance the two-state solution,” the ministry said.
More than 140 world leaders are expected to attend this year’s UNGA annual session in New York.
Sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, the meeting will attempt to revive the long-stalled two-state solution — one Israeli and one Palestinian state coexisting within secure and recognised borders.
Earlier this month, the majority of the international community overwhelmingly voted in favour of Palestinian statehood, demanding a two-state solution. However, the move was swiftly opposed by Washington and Tel Aviv.
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