Increasing European pressure to recognize State of Palestine

Portugal is set to recognize the State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly next September, according to a statement from Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s office, which confirmed that the government will consult with the president and parliament to finalize this step.

Portugal’s move comes amid a rapid series of European positions supporting the recognition of the Palestinian state. The prime ministers of the United Kingdom and Canada have announced similar intentions, while France confirmed it will take the same step next month, amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.

In this context, German Foreign Minister Johan Wadenfold said today that “recognition of the State of Palestine must begin now,” stressing that Israel has become “diplomatically isolated,” following the two-state solution conference boycotted by both Washington and Tel Aviv.

He pointed out that pressure on Israel is increasing amid the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning that the continuation of settlement expansion or annexation of more Palestinian lands is “legally unjustified.”

Political shifts in Germany’s stance have gone beyond official statements, with a surge in popular demands in Berlin to halt support for Israel. More than 200 artists and public figures sent an open letter to German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz, urging him to stop arms supplies, impose sanctions on the Israeli government, and intervene to end what they described as “collective punishment” of civilians in Gaza.

The letter affirmed that over 17,000 children have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered delivery of aid, and suspension of the EU-Israel partnership agreement.

ANHA