Britain, Portugal set to recognise Palestinian state

LONDON: Britain and Portugal were yesterday expected to recognise a Palestinian state, ahead of a key week at the UN's gathering where a suite of nations are set to do the same to pressure Israel over Gaza.

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Agrowing number of longtime Israeli allies have shifted positions in recent months as Israel has intensified its Gaza offensive, triggered by Hamas's unprecedented 2023 attack.

The besieged Palestinian territory has suffered vast destruction, death and lack of food that have resulted in a major humanitarian crisis.

World leaders will gather for a key debate at the UN General Assembly in New York this week where the so-called two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be front and centre.

Around 10 nations are expected to recognise a Palestinian state in the coming days, with UK media outlets like the BBC, reporting that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would announce the policy shift on Sunday — over fierce Israeli objection.