Portugal officially recognises Palestine

Portugal has recognised Palestinian statehood, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said.

Lisbon supports resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution, Caliber.Az reports, citing Portuguese broadcaster SIC Notícias.

The recognition comes amid escalating tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly due to the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank. Portugal's decision follows similar recognitions by Spain, Ireland, and Norway in May 2024, with other Western nations like the UK, Canada, and Australia also announcing recognition on the same day.

This collective move, ahead of a UN General Assembly session focused on the two-state solution, reflects growing international support for Palestinian statehood, despite opposition from Israel, which argues it undermines negotiated peace.

Portugal’s cautious approach sought alignment with other Western nations, marking a shift in its foreign policy to address the humanitarian crisis and support global peace efforts.

By Khagan Isayev