Portugal joins states considering recognition of Palestinian state in September
Portugal has joined a growing number of countries considering the recognition of the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s office said on Thursday that the government would consult with the president and parliament before making a final decision.
Portugal “is considering recognition of the Palestinian state, as part of a procedure that could be concluded during the high-level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to be held in New York in September,” the statement read.
It also cited "the extremely worrying developments in the conflict, both from a humanitarian perspective and through repeated references to a possible annexation of Palestinian territories" by Israel as its reason behind the decision.
Following the announcement, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said: "The government took a very carefully considered decision in consultation with its European and other partners."
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The plan follows similar announcements by France and the UK to formally recognise Palestine.
On Wednesday, New Zealand and Australia also signed a declaration suggesting they may follow suit in the coming months.
The declaration, known as the New York Call, was published by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
It states that 15 countries will “reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders”.
Signatories include Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino, all of which have not yet recognised an independent Palestinian state.
Other signatories, such as Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain, have already officially recognised the State of Palestine.
Israeli officials have condemned the plans to recognise a Palestinian state, describing them as a reward for terrorism.
Last week, Israel's parliament approved a motion calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, the latest move in an ongoing campaign to strengthen Israel's hold on the occupied Palestinian territory.
The proposal is non-binding and serves largely as a symbolic gesture that does not affect the legal status of the West Bank, but will help build momentum towards a possible move on the territory, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
The wave of recognitions comes amid growing international discontent with Israel’s conduct in its war on Gaza, which has been described as genocide by several states and prominent rights groups.
Israel’s near-total blockade of Gaza has led to dozens of deaths from malnutrition in recent weeks.
Since the war began in October 2023, at least 159 people have died from malnutrition, including 90 children.
In total, Israeli forces have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including 18,500 children, according to Palestinian health authorities.
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