Sat Sep 20 02:26:21 UTC 2025: **Headline: Portugal Joins Wave of Nations Recognizing Palestinian Statehood Amid Growing International Pressure on Israel**

**By [Your Name/News Agency]**

**Portugal is set to officially recognize the State of Palestine on Sunday, September 21st, joining a growing coalition of nations including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and seven others planning similar declarations next week. The announcement comes on the eve of a high-level conference on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.**

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Portugal will recognise the State of Palestine,” the Portuguese government stated on its website, marking the culmination of nearly 15 years of debate within the country’s parliament.

Portugal’s decision follows the release of a recent UN inquiry that found that Israel’s war on Gaza potentially constitutes genocide. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis.

The decision by Portugal reflects growing international concern over the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and Israel’s continued settlement activity.

An advisor to French President Macron confirmed that France will be joined at Monday’s UNGA conference by Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino in recognizing Palestinian statehood. These nations will join the 147 countries, representing 75% of UN members, that had already recognized Palestine as of April.

The move has drawn strong condemnation from Israel and the United States. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized France’s announcement as a “reckless decision” serving “Hamas propaganda.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich previously warned of increased settlement activity in the occupied West Bank in response to countries recognizing Palestine.

Luxembourg’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have indicated intentions for further measures, including sanctions, to be considered within the country.

The international community is increasingly urging stronger actions to address the conflict, including sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel.

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