In brief
Portugal has announced it will recognize Palestine as a state, marking a shift in policy that coincides with mounting global discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, with other Western nations like France, the UK, Canada, and Australia expected to follow suit. The move has been met with strong criticism from Israeli officials and allies in the U.S., who argue it undermines Israel's sovereignty amidst escalating hostilities. Recent developments have seen over 65,000 casualties in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli military actions in response to Hamas's attacks.
Portugal says it will recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday, making it the latest Western nation preparing to shift policy as the war in the Gaza Strip shows no sign of stopping.
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 preparing similar announcements.
Israel has denounced the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying it rewards terror following Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
The US - Israel's main ally - has echoed Netanyahu's argument.
President Donald Trump, speaking alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this week, while on a state visit to the UK, said he disagreed with recognition.
Around three quarters of the UN's 193 members already recognise a Palestinian state, which in 2012 was granted the status of non-member observer state.
As world leaders prepare to gather at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Israeli tanks and troops are continuing to advance into Gaza City as part of a ground offensive, which has forced thousands of people to flee.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry.
