Portugal Takes Historic Step: Officially Recognizing Palestinian State

Portugal Announces Recognition of Palestinian State LISBON, Portugal - In a significant move, Portugal has joined a growing list of countries recognizing the State of Palestine, with plans to officially acknowledge its sovereignty on Sunday. The announcement comes ahead of a high-level conference on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. According to a statement released by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the recognition is a "step towards a lasting peace" and reflects Portugal's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. The ministry confirmed that Portugal will recognize the State of Palestine, effective immediately. "This is a historic moment for the Palestinian people," said Manuel Pinto, a spokesperson for the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We believe that recognition of the State of Palestine is an important step towards a two-state solution and a lasting peace in the region." Portugal's decision to recognize the Palestinian state follows similar moves by Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. The move has been welcomed by Palestinian officials, who see it as a significant boost to their international standing. "This recognition sends a clear message that Portugal stands with the Palestinian people and supports our right to self-determination," said Nabil Shaath, a senior advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. "We hope that other countries will follow suit and recognize our state." The decision is also seen as a response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been marked by increased violence in recent months. The United States, Israel's closest ally, has been criticized for its stance on the issue, with many countries accusing it of blocking UN Security Council resolutions aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The recognition of the Palestinian state is set to take place ahead of a high-level conference on Palestinian statehood at the UNGA. The conference will bring together representatives from over 100 countries to discuss ways to support the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and statehood. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Portugal's recognition of the Palestinian state is seen as a significant development in the quest for peace and stability in the region. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*