Portugal's Historic Move: Recognition of Palestinian State Announced

Thu Oct 16 2025 06:52:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant political shift, Portugal has officially announced it will recognize the State of Palestine, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions globally ahead of the UN General Assembly.

Portugal joins a growing list of countries signaling a shift in foreign policy by declaring recognition of the Palestinian state. This announcement, made just ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, comes amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and has sparked condemnation from Israel and allied nations. Other countries, including France and the UK, are also preparing similar declarations.

Portugal says it will recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday, making it the latest Western nation preparing to shift policy as the war in the Gaza Strip shows no sign of stopping.

The foreign ministry made the announcement ahead of next week's United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

France, the UK, Canada and Australia are preparing similar announcements.

Israel has denounced the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying it rewards terror following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

The US - Israel's main ally - has echoed Netanyahu's argument.

President Donald Trump, speaking during a state visit to the UK, stated his disagreement with the recognition.

Around three quarters of the UN's 193 members already recognise a Palestinian state, which was granted the status of non-member observer state in 2012.

As world leaders prepare to gather at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Israeli tanks and troops continue their advance into Gaza City as part of a ground offensive, forcing thousands of people to flee.

The Israeli military's operation in Gaza follows an attack by Hamas that resulted in about 1,200 Israeli fatalities and 251 hostages taken. According to Gaza's health ministry, at least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then.