Portugal formally recognises Palestinian state, foreign minister says

Portugal has officially recognised the Palestinian state, the country's Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel announced in New York on Sunday.

Rangel stated a two-state solution is "the only path to a just and lasting peace", local media reported.

The government in Lisbon has also reaffirmed "the right of Israel to exist" and its "effective security needs," as well as "condemning once again the atrocious terrorist attacks of 7 October" carried out by Hamas-led militants.

The move came hours after the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia -- all Commonwealth nations -- similarly did so ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, set to open on Tuesday. 

“We must channel our efforts, united together in hope, behind the peaceful future that we want to see: the release of the hostages, an end to the violence, an end to the suffering and a shift back towards a two-state solution as the best hope for peace and security for all sides," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday.

Other countries are expected to join the list recognising a Palestinian state at the UN summit this week, including France. France and the UK are two of the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Israeli authorities condemned the recognition, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly stating the move will further destabilise the region and embolden Hamas.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he will raise annexing the West Bank at the next cabinet meeting in response to the recognitions.

“The recognition by the UK, Canada, and Australia of a ‘Palestinian’ state, as a prize for the murderous terrorists, requires immediate countermeasures,” said Ben-Gvir.