Portugal joins UK, Canada and Australia in recognising Palestinian state

Lisbon (Web Desk): Following in the footsteps of the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia, Portugal has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state.

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, stated that the decision reflects a consistent and fundamental pillar of Portugal’s foreign policy.

He stressed that the only path to lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East lies in the two-state solution.

Rangel acknowledged that recognition of a Palestinian state does not immediately resolve the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

However, he emphasized that an urgent ceasefire is now an unavoidable demand of the international community.

The move comes after similar announcements by the UK, Canada, and Australia.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a video message, described recognition of Palestine as an important step towards reviving peace efforts in the region.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that his country stands ready to support the Palestinian people in building a peaceful future.

Meanwhile, Australia stressed that its recognition aligns with international efforts to pursue a two-state solution and signaled readiness to consider diplomatic ties and a potential embassy once the Palestinian Authority delivers on its commitments.

These recognitions arrive at a time when Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian catastrophe, with thousands of innocent civilians killed in the ongoing conflict.

Analysts suggest that such declarations of support from major Western powers mark a new phase of international pressure on Israel and its allies to engage seriously with the two-state framework.