Portugal to Officially Recognize Palestinian State on Sunday

In a significant diplomatic move, Portugal has announced that it will officially recognize the State of Palestine on Sunday, September 21, 2025. This decision, confirmed by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, positions Portugal among several Western nations advocating for Palestinian statehood ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) scheduled for the following week.

The recognition marks the culmination of nearly 15 years of parliamentary debate in Portugal, initiated by the Left Bloc political party in 2011. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, in consultation with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the parliament, finalized the decision, reflecting a shift in Portugal's foreign policy stance.

Portugal's move aligns with similar actions by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, all of which plan to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UNGA. This collective recognition underscores a growing international consensus supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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The decision comes amid escalating tensions in Gaza, where Israel's military operations have resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement. A recent UN inquiry has characterized Israel's actions as amounting to genocide, intensifying global calls for a reevaluation of diplomatic relations and policies concerning the region.

Portugal's recognition of Palestine is expected to be formalized during a high-level conference in New York, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at advancing the two-state solution. This initiative is part of a broader international effort to address the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict through diplomatic means.

As of April 2025, approximately 75% of UN member states had recognized Palestinian statehood, indicating widespread international support for Palestine's sovereignty.

Portugal's decision adds to the growing momentum for Palestinian recognition on the global stage, reflecting a shift in international diplomacy towards supporting Palestinian aspirations for statehood and self-determination.