Britain and Portugal are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday, ahead of a critical UN General Assembly debate where several countries plan to take similar steps to pressure Israel over its Gaza offensive.
The shift comes as more of Israel’s traditional allies reconsider their stance amid mounting civilian deaths, widespread destruction, and severe food shortages in Gaza that have created a humanitarian crisis.
UK media reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would announce the move, fulfilling his earlier warning that Britain would recognize Palestine if Israel failed to make progress toward a ceasefire with Hamas before the UN session. Starmer said the recognition would contribute to the peace process at a decisive moment for the two-state solution. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, calling it a reward for “terrorism.”
Portugal confirmed it would also declare recognition on Sunday, citing the worsening conflict, humanitarian emergency, and Israel’s continued threats of annexation.
Around 10 nations, including France and Canada, are expected to follow suit in the coming week. Israel strongly opposes the move and has threatened to annex the West Bank in retaliation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the world not to be intimidated by Israel’s warnings. Since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 people in Israel, the country’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in more than 65,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, according to UN-verified figures.
Globally, Palestine is gaining attention, Belgium To Acknowledge Palestine, Impose Sanctions On Israel
