Portugal Eyes September Recognition of Palestinian State/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Portugal has launched the process to formally recognize a Palestinian state, planning completion by September. The move aligns with global diplomatic shifts and follows guarantees from the Palestinian Authority. Recognition could occur during the United Nations General Assembly.
Portugal’s Recognition of Palestine: Quick Looks
- Portugal confirms it has begun formal statehood recognition process
- Goal is to complete recognition by September 2025, during UNGA
- Decision follows Palestinian Authority’s promises and Arab-Israeli normalization efforts
- Portugal cites “highly worrying” developments in Gaza war as motivation
- Move aligns with momentum from Saudi-French UN summit
- Joint statement from Arab and Muslim nations calls for Hamas disarmament
- Portugal joins France, Canada, Malta, and possibly the UK in upcoming recognitions
- Recognition marks a shift in EU attitudes toward a two-state solution
- Formal announcement may occur at the UN General Assembly starting Sept. 23
- Step seen as pressure on Israel to negotiate peace with Palestinians
Deep Look: Portugal Begins Process to Recognize Palestinian Statehood Ahead of UN Assembly
NEW YORK — Portugal has officially launched its process to recognize the State of Palestine, becoming the latest Western nation to align itself with an accelerating international campaign in support of a two-state solution. The recognition is expected to be completed in time for the United Nations General Assembly in September, according to a statement from the Portuguese government on Thursday.
The announcement follows increasing global pressure over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and builds upon fresh momentum generated at a recent UN conference in New York, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. At the event, more than 100 participating states — including numerous Arab and Muslim nations — jointly called on Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in Gaza as part of a broader strategy to end the war and pave the way toward peace.
Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel reiterated his government’s stance during the conference, emphasizing Portugal’s commitment to promoting a lasting, peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The government said its decision is in direct response to:
- Assurances from the Palestinian Authority (PA) regarding future governance and democratic processes
- A growing willingness among Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel
- The “highly worrying developments in the war in Gaza,” including rising civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns
Portugal’s move would add it to the expanding list of countries preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN. That list already includes France, Canada, and Malta, with the United Kingdom also considering a similar declaration in the absence of a ceasefire from Israel.
A Shift in Diplomatic Strategy
While Portugal has long supported a negotiated two-state solution, Thursday’s declaration represents a tangible step toward converting political sentiment into state-level recognition.
“This is not a symbolic gesture,” an unnamed Portuguese official stated. “It’s a diplomatic tool intended to support conditions for real negotiations.”
The anticipated recognition could occur during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which opens on September 23, 2025. Portugal views the multilateral setting as ideal for amplifying a clear message to Israel and the global community: the time for a viable two-state framework is now.
A Regional Realignment
Portugal’s move comes in the context of a wider recalibration of regional alliances and policy goals. In New York this week, Arab and Muslim nations issued an unprecedented joint call for Hamas to disarm, recognizing that such a move could accelerate the end of hostilities and the beginning of meaningful peace talks.
The Saudi-French co-hosted meeting, focused on “the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine,” marked a notable evolution in Arab world strategy. While past efforts prioritized Israeli accountability, this summit underscored shared responsibility and a collective vision for de-escalation.
Portugal’s decision is directly influenced by this new multilateral momentum, viewing it as a historic opportunity to break decades of deadlock.
Israel’s Reaction and the Road Ahead
The Israeli government remains firmly opposed to unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing that it undermines direct negotiations and emboldens groups like Hamas. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon has criticized such recognitions as “legitimizing terrorism” and “wasting time on hollow statements.”
Nevertheless, Portugal’s action signals that a growing number of nations no longer accept perpetual paralysis in the peace process. The pressure is now mounting for both sides — and especially Israel — to reengage diplomatically or risk further erosion of international support.
As the UN General Assembly approaches, the question is no longer if nations will recognize Palestine, but how many will do so in concert — and how that recognition will reshape peace efforts moving forward.
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