Portugal Recognizes the State of Palestine; Several Western Countries May Follow

International Desk | PNN

Portugal has announced that it will officially recognize the State of Palestine. This decision will take effect on Sunday, September 21, during a formal announcement in Lisbon. The very next day, a high-level conference on the establishment of the State of Palestine will be held at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a Friday release: “The formal announcement recognizing Palestine as a state will be made on Sunday.”

With this step, Portugal becomes the Western European country to take this action after Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. According to Portuguese media outlet Correio da Manha, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro finalized the decision after discussions with the President and Parliament. The announcement ends a debate that has lasted nearly 15 years.

The primary reason cited for this recognition is the ongoing severe humanitarian situation in Gaza and the threat posed by Israeli occupation policies. A UN investigative report last week described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “genocide.” Since the escalation in October 2023, at least 65,000 people have been killed, and approximately 166,000 injured. Countless others are believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Additionally, a high-level meeting organized jointly by France and Saudi Arabia in New York on Monday will include plans by several countries—including Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino—to recognize Palestine, according to an advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron.