In light of the Israeli-induced starvation in Gaza, Portugal is considering the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
A statement from Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s office announced the news today.
Portugal “is considering recognition of the Palestinian state,” the statement read.
The recognition is set to take place “as part of a procedure that could be concluded during the high-level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to be held in New York in September,” the statement continued.
Portugal’s decision follows multiple countries showing intent to recognize the statehood of Palestine during the 80th UN General Assembly in September.
Citing “extremely worrying developments” in Gaza, the Portuguese government said it consulted with partner countries before making its decision to follow in the footsteps of other countries that have announced their readiness to recognize the Palestinian state.
In particular, the statement cited “a humanitarian perspective and through repeated references to a possible annexation of Palestinian territories” as the main drives behind the decision.
Portugal’s decision echoes many other countries’ stances.
The catastrophic, inhumane situation in Gaza has prompted major international powers to consider recognizing the statehood of Palestine, including France, the UK, and Canada.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country is willing to recognize the statehood of Palestine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to France’s plans, saying that the move only “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy.”
Canada also joined the chorus today, announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
This time, it was the US President Donald Trump, Israel’s closest ally, who reacted to Canada’s announcement.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to take issue with Canada’s announcement, leveraging a tariff hike between the two countries.
“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!” his post read.
Worsening starvation in the genocide-torn Gaza
With the rising international condemnation of Israel-induced starvation in the enclave, the health authorities reported that the number of famine-related deaths in Gaza jumped to over 159, including 90 children.
The situation in Gaza is exacerbating, with international organizations sounding the alarm of a worst-case scenario taking place in the enclave.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Gaza is experiencing the worst-case famine scenario.
Echoing WHO’s concern, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) alerted this week that a dramatic humanitarian breakdown is taking place in the genocide-ravaged Gaza.
The report indicates that people are going without food for days and dying from starvation-related complications due to disease and organ failure.
