London— The United Kingdom and Portugal are set to formally recognise a Palestinian state, a move expected to be announced later today despite strong opposition from the United States, reported the BBC.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will issue an official declaration, stating that recognition is intended to preserve hopes for a two-state solution amid the ongoing Gaza war.
“Any decision to recognise a Palestinian state does not create one overnight, but it keeps the pathway open for peace and justice. It is also wrong to equate the Palestinian people with Hamas,” Lammy told Sky News on Sunday.
Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming the official declaration would be made today, ahead of next week’s High-Level Conference on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
With this step, Portugal joins the UK, France, Canada, and Australia, who are all expected to make similar announcements in the coming days. Over 140 countries have already recognised a Palestinian state, but the decision by Britain and France carries significant global weight due to their influence in international diplomacy.
The announcement comes at a crucial moment, as debates over Palestinian recognition are set to dominate discussions during the UNGA session in New York.
