Portugal follows UK, Canada, Australia to recognise Palestinian state
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New York: Following Britain, Australia and Canada, the European nation Portugal also recognised Palestine as an independent state, Agence France-Presse reported.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told reporters in New York ahead of the annual UN General Assembly, which recognises the State of Palestine as a fulfilment of a fundamental, consistent and widely agreed policy. He added that Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace, promoting coexistence and peaceful relations between Israel and Palestine.
The UK, Australia and Canada confirmed Sunday that they are formally recognising a Palestinian state despite vociferous opposition from the US and Israel, according to the Associated Press.
The coordinated initiative from the Commonwealth nations and long-time allies of Israel reflects growing outrage at Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza and the steps taken by the Israeli government to thwart any efforts to create a Palestinian state, including by the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X, “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.”
“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X.
Britain and Canada were the first among G7 countries to recognise the free state of Palestine, while more, including France, are expected to do the same in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the establishment of a Palestinian state “will not happen.” Netanyahu put out an angry statement after Britain and other Western allies said they were unilaterally recognising a Palestinian state in a step seen as a show of displeasure with Israel, the Associated Press reported.