LISBON, Portugal: Portugal is considering recognising the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September, the government announced on Thursday.
According to a statement from Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s office, Lisbon will consult with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and political parties in parliament before taking a formal position.
“Portugal is considering recognition of the Palestinian state, as part of a procedure that could be concluded during the high-level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to be held in New York in September,” the statement said.
The move was first reported by Diario de Noticias and other local media outlets, citing sources within the prime minister’s office.
The reports said Portugal may act “as early as September” if the conditions presented at the UN are met and endorsed by a group of countries with which Portugal maintains regular dialogue.
The statement also referred to earlier discussions with international partners, noting that Portugal had already outlined the prerequisites for recognising a Palestinian state, including alignment with countries actively participating in peace efforts.
The development comes amid a growing wave of support for Palestinian statehood among Western countries.
Earlier this week, foreign ministers from 15 nations — including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Malta, Finland, Andorra, and San Marino — issued a joint declaration during a UN conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, expressing readiness to recognise a Palestinian state as part of efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
The statement, which also included Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Norway — countries that have already recognised Palestine — called on others to join the initiative and contribute to “an architecture for the day after in Gaza,” including reconstruction and long-term peace.
On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom would move towards recognition of a Palestinian state unless Israel halts its military campaign in Gaza.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot welcomed London’s support and said it reinforced the “momentum created by France.”
Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela also confirmed on social media that his country would formally recognise Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September.
“Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East,” he stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron, last week, reiterated his country’s intention to recognise Palestinian statehood, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that at least 58 Palestinians were killed late Wednesday when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd attempting to collect humanitarian aid in northern Gaza.
The Israeli military said its troops fired warning shots but claimed no knowledge of casualties.
International pressure continues to mount on Israel to agree to a ceasefire and allow unhindered delivery of aid.
UN-backed agencies have warned that famine is now unfolding in Gaza. Shocking images of malnourished children have triggered global outrage, intensifying demands for an end to hostilities.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 60,249 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign on 7 October 2023.
UN officials this week warned that deaths from starvation have begun.
