Portugal Recognizes Palestine as an Independent State Amid Growing International Support

Following in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, Portugal has officially recognized Palestine as an independent state. The announcement was made by Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel during a press briefing in New York, ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Rangel emphasized that recognizing Palestine is a “fundamental, consistent, and indispensable part” of Portugal’s foreign policy. He stated, “A two-state solution remains the only path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”

He also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and clarified that Portugal does not support any future role for Hamas in governing the territory. Additionally, he urged the swift release of all hostages currently held in the region.

The Portuguese foreign minister strongly condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis and destruction in Gaza, as well as Israel's continued settlement expansion in the West Bank. “Recognizing Palestine does not mean ignoring the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Rather, it is a moral and political responsibility toward ending it,” he added.

Palestinian leaders welcomed Portugal’s decision, calling it a diplomatic milestone. Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh described the move as a victory for Palestinian diplomacy under President Mahmoud Abbas. Another senior Palestinian official referred to it as a “historic shift” in the struggle to secure the rights of Gaza’s population and urged the international community to act decisively to halt Israel’s aggression.

In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition in strong terms. “A Palestinian state will never be established. Countries recognizing Palestine are giving terrorism a massive reward. We will not allow this to happen,” he warned.

Meanwhile, France is also reportedly preparing to recognize Palestine, with several other European countries expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.

World leaders have begun gathering in New York for the 80th UN General Assembly session, where a high-level meeting is scheduled to discuss ending the war in Gaza and reviving the two-state solution.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also criticized Israel's retaliatory plans to annex parts of the West Bank following the UK's recognition of Palestine. “Such actions would be unacceptable,” she said, urging Israel to reconsider.

Analysts believe this growing shift in international recognition could mark a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially breathing new life into the long-stalled two-state peace process.