The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia officially recognised the state of Palestine on Sunday, aiming both to exclude Hamas from any role in a future Palestinian government and to press Israel to halt hostilities.
The move comes on the eve of a UN conference at which other countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta, are also expected to extend recognition.
Portugal likewise announced its recognition on Sunday evening. Foreign minister Paulo Rangel said the decision was in line with the country’s foreign policy.
“Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace … a ceasefire is urgent,” he added.
The decision, largely symbolic and led by France, has been condemned by Israel. Last week, Donald Trump, during a state visit to the UK, expressed his disagreement with Downing Street’s stance.
British prime minister Keir Starmer said: “In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment we have neither.“
To date, 151 of the 193 UN member states already recognise Palestine.
