The United Kingdom and Portugal are set to recognize the State of Palestine on Sunday, ahead of a pivotal week at the UN General Assembly.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had stated in July that Britain would proceed with recognition if Israel failed to take “substantive steps” toward a ceasefire with Hamas before the UN meetings in September.
Over the weekend, British media, including the BBC, reported that Starmer is expected to make the official announcement on Sunday. Portugal’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed on Friday that it will formally recognize Palestine on the same day, reports dw.com.
Portugal first signaled its intent in July, citing the escalating conflict, worsening humanitarian crisis, and Israel’s repeated threats to annex Palestinian land, though it had not set a date until now.
Several other Western countries — including France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta — are expected to make decisions on recognition in the coming days.
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