Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro addresses supporters during his election campaign closing rally in Lisbon. AP
France, Britain, and Canada have all recently voiced, in some cases qualified, intentions to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state.
These moves come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s 22-month war and five-month blockade have pushed 2.3 million people into famine.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the death toll from Israel’s war since October 7, 2023, has risen to 60,332, with 147,643 injured. The majority of the dead are women and children.
Portugal "is considering recognition of the Palestinian state, as part of a procedure that could be concluded during the high‑level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to be held in New York in September," the statement said.
The decision was made after "multiple contacts" with partners, given "the extremely worrying developments in the conflict, both from a humanitarian perspective and through repeated references to a possible annexation of Palestinian territories" by Israel, the statement added.
A UN-backed international hunger monitoring organisation on Tuesday said: "Famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City."
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) alert warned that the "worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip" under Israel’s blockade.
Portugal may join other countries such as Britain, Canada, and France, which have signalled their intention to recognize the Palestinian state in September.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said his country would officially recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, hoping to create collective momentum in this direction.
"The government took a very carefully considered decision in consultation with its European and other partners," Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa responded immediately after the executive’s announcement.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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