Rangel said it was “time to take the necessary steps for peace,” adding that Portugal “hopes Israel understands the decision.”
By Israel Hayom via JNS
Portugal has recognized a Palestinian state, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced on Sunday at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
With the move, Portugal joined the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, which issued similar statements earlier. France and several other countries were expected to do so on Monday at a two-state solution summit.
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 the rights of the Palestinian people, and not against” the Jewish state.
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 ceasefire and secure the release of the hostages.
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