Key points
- Move pressures Israel over Gaza conflict
- Humanitarian crisis worsens in Palestinian territories
- UN debate to focus on two-state solution
- Portugal cites “extremely worrying” conflict escalation
LONDON, United Kingdom: Britain and Portugal were on Sunday expected to recognise a Palestinian state, ahead of a key week at the UN’s gathering where a suite of nations are set to do the same to pressure Israel over Gaza.
A growing number of longtime Israeli allies have shifted positions in recent months as Israel has intensified its Gaza assault on Gaza.
In the case of the UK, the move comes after the Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in July the UK would shift its position in September unless Israel met conditions including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and committing to a long-term sustainable peace deal that delivers a two-state solution.
Major change
According to the BBC, it represents a major change in British foreign policy after successive governments said recognition should come as part of a peace process and at a time of maximum impact.
The besieged Palestinian territory has suffered vast destruction, death and lack of food that have resulted in a major humanitarian crisis.
World leaders will gather for a key debate at the UN General Assembly in New York in the coming week, where the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be front and centre, according to the AFP.
Portugal’s foreign ministry said on Friday that it would also formally declare its recognition on Sunday.
“Extremely worrying”
Lisbon had already announced in July that it intended to do so, citing the “extremely worrying evolution of the conflict” as well as the humanitarian crisis and Israel’s repeated threats to annex Palestinian land.
Since then, Israel has bombarded Gaza, a UN-backed hunger monitor has declared a famine in part of the territory and the Israeli military has said it will use “unprecedented force” to capture Gaza City.
France and Canada are among the other Western nations planning to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN gathering in the coming week.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told AFP on Friday that the world “should not feel intimidated by the risk of retaliation” from Israel.
