The True Post (Web News) After Britain, Canada and Australia, Portugal has now also officially announced its recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
The Portuguese government says that this decision was made because Israel did not meet other conditions, including a ceasefire. According to Reuters news agency, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement on the social media platform “X” that “Today, the United Kingdom has recognized Palestine as a state, and we hope that this decision will pave the way for peace for Palestinians and Israelis.” The report says that this step by Britain is in line with the position of more than 140 countries around the world, but it will deeply anger Israel and its close ally the United States.
Canada and Australia have also recognized Palestine as a state, and it is likely that more countries will formally recognize Palestine during the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly. It should be noted that Britain had warned Israel in July that it would recognize Palestine as a state if the dire situation in Gaza did not end. Keir Starmer had made it clear that Britain would only back down if Israel declared a ceasefire, allowed aid to reach Gaza, explained the end of the occupation of the West Bank, and began peace talks for a two-state solution.
Hussam Zamlat, head of the Palestinian mission in London, reacted to the British decision and said, “This decision should have been made long ago. It is not only for Palestine but also the fulfillment of Britain’s historical obligations. This step is a step towards justice, peace and the rectification of the irreparable mistakes of the past.” On the other hand, speaking to journalists in New York, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said, “Recognizing Palestine is a fundamental and permanent principle of Portugal’s foreign policy. The two-state solution is the only way to lasting peace in the region.” He also acknowledged the fact that despite recognizing Palestine, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not end, so an immediate ceasefire is essential.
