Britain and Portugal are set to announce their formal recognition of a Palestinian state on Sunday, a move that comes just before world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the two-state solution will be central topics.
The shift marks a significant departure for two of Israel’s traditional allies, as mounting pressure grows in response to Israel’s Gaza offensive, which was launched after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. Gaza has since been devastated by relentless strikes, famine, and shortages of basic necessities, deepening what the UN has called a major humanitarian crisis.
According to reports from British media, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil the decision after previously warning in July that the UK would move toward recognition if Israel failed to take “substantive steps” toward a ceasefire with Hamas before the UN Assembly. Starmer had argued that recognition would provide “a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply condemned the plan, accusing Starmer of rewarding “monstrous terrorism” and appeasing “jihadist” ideology.
Portugal confirmed through its foreign ministry that it would also make its declaration on Sunday. Lisbon had signaled its intentions months earlier, citing worsening humanitarian conditions and Israel’s ongoing threats to annex Palestinian land. France and Canada are among other Western nations expected to join in recognizing Palestine during the UN gathering.
Israel has strongly objected to these developments, with reports suggesting it may retaliate by annexing the West Bank. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community not to be deterred by the threat of reprisals, insisting the recognition push was vital to advancing peace efforts.
The war has taken a devastating toll. Hamas’s initial assault killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, while Gaza’s health ministry in figures the UN considers credible, reports that Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 65,208 people, the majority civilians.
What you should know
The expected recognition of Palestine by Britain and Portugal marks a major policy shift among Israel’s allies, aiming to revive the two-state solution amid the Gaza war.
While seen as a boost to Palestinian aspirations, Israel has condemned the move and threatened further territorial annexation, raising fears of deeper conflict.
