Portugal Announces Official Recognition of the State of Palestine

Portugal has declared its intention to officially recognise the State of Palestine on Sunday, September 21, 2024. This announcement was made by the country’s foreign ministry and aligns with a broader movement among several nations to extend similar recognition during the upcoming UN General Assembly.

The foreign ministry’s statement confirmed, “Portugal will recognise the State of Palestine,” indicating a significant step in diplomatic relations. The decision is part of a growing trend, as other countries, including Belgium and France, have also indicated their plans to recognise Palestine at the UN meeting this month.

Belgium’s foreign ministry recently announced its formal recognition of Palestine, echoing France’s commitment made by President Emmanuel Macron in July. Macron stated that France would officially recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, a move that has been supported by various international leaders.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that the country will recognise Palestine if certain humanitarian conditions in Gaza are met by Israel. Starmer’s announcement came during a state visit by former US President Donald Trump, who openly disagreed with the Prime Minister on this diplomatic approach.

When questioned about the timing of the UK’s recognition, Starmer clarified that it was unrelated to Trump’s visit, attributing it instead to strategic timing. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with recent reports indicating that the death toll has exceeded 65,000 people. This alarming statistic has drawn the attention of various UN investigators, who concluded that Israel is committing acts of genocide against the Palestinian people. This finding has sparked outrage and condemnation from a growing number of experts, scholars, and human rights organisations.

Ireland, alongside Spain and Norway, officially recognised Palestine in 2024, contributing to the increasing momentum for Palestinian statehood on the global stage. The recognition by these countries underscores a significant shift in international relations regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The developments surrounding the recognition of Palestine illustrate a complex interplay of international diplomacy and humanitarian concerns. As more countries announce their support for Palestinian statehood, the implications for regional stability and international relations continue to unfold.