Portugal recognizes Palestinian statehood

Portugal joins Britain, Australia, and Canada in recognizing unilateral Palestinian statehood.

By World Israel News Staff

Portugal formally recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday, hours after a trio of Anglo-sphere countries did the same.

On Sunday, Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel announced that Lisbon now recognizes the Palestinian Authority as an independent, sovereign state.

Speaking with reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Rangel said that “The recognition of the state of Palestine is the realization of a fundamental, constant, and fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy.”

The announcement followed similar declarations by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Echoing comments by the heads of government of Britain, Australia, and Canada, Rangel emphasized that Lisbon believes Hamas “cannot have any form of control in Gaza or outside it,” while reiterating the demand that all of the remaining 48 hostages held in Gaza be returned to Israel.

Rangel also linked the declaration recognizing Palestinian unilateral statehood to his country’s support for the two-state solution and concern that no ceasefire may be reached in the immediate future.

“Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace…a ceasefire is urgent,” Rangel said.

Later on Sunday, Qatar issued a statement praising Portugal, Britain, Canada, and Australia for recognizing Palestinian statehood.

“Qatar welcomes the official announcements on the recognition of the State of Palestine issued by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Portugal, considering these recognitions a victory for the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people,” the Qatari foreign ministry said.

Qatar reiterated its call “to all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take similar steps that reflect their commitment to international law.”