In brief
Portugal's foreign ministry confirmed it will recognize the Palestinian state, ahead of the UN General Assembly, as other nations like France and the UK consider similar actions. This announcement has drawn criticism from Israel, including Prime Minister Netanyahu's claims that it rewards terrorism. The context includes ongoing military operations in Gaza which have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
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 during a state visit to the UK, stated 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 a 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, which resulted in about 1,200 people killed and 251 others taken hostage.
According to Gaza's health ministry, at least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then.
