Portugal begins process to recognize Palestine in September
Photo: Luís Montenegro (Getty Images)
Portugal has taken its first step toward potentially recognizing Palestine. The government has announced the start of official consultations with state leadership and parliamentary parties to define its position ahead of the UN General Assembly in September, stated Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
The government's decision comes amid the high-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, held at the UN headquarters from July 28 to 30. Portugal participated alongside other countries that are also reconsidering the conditions for recognizing Palestine.
According to the government, many states engaged in dialogue with Portugal on this issue have expressed readiness to begin the recognition process, citing guarantees provided by the Palestinian Authority and the positive stance of many Arab countries on normalizing relations with Israel.
The worsening situation in the region, particularly the humanitarian crisis and the threat of annexation of Palestinian territories, also played a role in motivating the move.
Lisbon also signed a joint statement with 15 other countries participating in the conference, expressing readiness to recognize the State of Palestine as part of advancing the two-state solution.
The government emphasized that the Palestinian Authority has met key conditions required to initiate the recognition process, as confirmed during the international conference.
Recognition of Palestine by Western countries
On July 24, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to officially recognize Palestine during the September session of the UN General Assembly.
The statement drew a sharp response from Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned Paris’ initiative. The United States also voiced its disagreement, openly opposing the French plan, in contrast to some of its European allies.
Palestine is a partially recognized state in the Middle East, comprising the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. As of now, 139 out of 193 UN member states recognize its sovereignty.
Additionally, on July 30, France launched an initiative to form an international coalition in support of Palestine's recognition. Fifteen countries have already joined the effort.
