Portugal 'considering' recognition of Palestinian state in September
This decision was made after "multiple contacts" with partners, given "the extremely worrying developments in the conflict, both from a humanitarian perspective and through repeated references to a possible annexation of Palestinian territories" by Israel, the statement said.
France, the United Kingdom and Canada have all in recent days voiced, in some cases qualified, intentions to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state. The moves have come as international concern and criticism has grown over worrying malnutrition in Gaza.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said his country would officially recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, hoping to create collective momentum in this direction.
"The government took a very carefully considered decision in consultation with its European and other partners," Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa responded immediately after the executive's announcement.
A UN-backed international hunger monitoring organization on Tuesday that a "worst-case famine scenario" was underway in Gaza.
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