Portugal recognizes the Palestinian state, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced in a speech at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
With the move, Portugal joined the UK, Canada and Australia, which issued similar statements earlier, ahead of France and several other countries that are expected to do so Monday at a two-state summit in New York.
Rangel said it was "time to take the necessary steps for peace," adding that Portugal "hopes Israel understands the decision," which he stressed was "for peace and for the rights of the Palestinian people, and not against Israel."
The foreign minister also condemned "restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, the displacement of the population, the hunger situation that has developed in Gaza, and the destruction of infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and places of worship." He said there was an "urgent" need to reach a cease-fire, allow humanitarian aid to enter and secure the release of the hostages.
