In brief
Portugal has officially recognized the state of Palestine, becoming the latest Western country to alter its policy due to the ongoing violence in Gaza. The announcement from the Portuguese foreign ministry comes before the UN General Assembly. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the decision as rewarding terror, while the US has echoed similar sentiments. Internationally, around three-quarters of UN members already recognize Palestine, intensifying discussions around its statehood and rights.
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 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
The US - Israel's main ally - has echoed Netanyahu's argument.
President Donald Trump, speaking alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this week while on a state visit to the UK, said he disagreed with recognition.
Around three quarters of the UN's 193 members already recognise a Palestinian state, which in 2012 was granted the status of non-member observer state.
As world leaders prepare to gather at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Israeli tanks and troops are continuing to advance into Gaza City as part of a ground offensive, which has forced thousands of people to flee.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry.
