In a landmark diplomatic shift, the UK and Portugal are set to formally recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday, ahead of a pivotal UN General Assembly week in New York City.
This move comes as part of a wave of around 10 nations expected to follow suit in the coming days—including France and Canada—to pressure Israel over its Gaza operations and revive momentum for a two-state solution.
According to the BBC, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make the announcement despite strong objections from Israel. In July, Starmer pledged that Britain would recognize the State of Palestine if Israel did not show 'substantive steps' toward a ceasefire with Hamas by the time the UN gathering convened.
Meanwhile, Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Paulo Rangel, confirmed in a Friday statement that Lisbon's official recognition will take place even before next week's High-Level Conference.
Israel has strongly opposed these diplomatic moves and has reportedly threatened to take control of the West Bank in response. Yet a growing number of longtime Israeli allies have shifted positions as Israel's Gaza offensive—triggered by Hamas's unprecedented 2023 attack—has led to widespread destruction, death, and food shortages, creating a major humanitarian crisis.
UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres told AFP that the world 'should not feel intimidated by the risk of retaliation' from Israel, underscoring global calls for balance and renewed efforts toward peace.
As world leaders convene in New York, all eyes will be on the UN General Assembly debate, where the future of the two-state solution and stability in the region hangs in the balance.
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UK, Portugal to recognize Palestinian state ahead of UN debate
cgtn.com
