UK and Portugal Plan to Recognize the State of Palestine Amidst Escalating Israeli Strikes on Gaza

The Middle East faces a new surge in tensions as news of a potential recognition of the State of Palestine by the UK and Portugal coincides with continuous and intense Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which has left dozens dead and injured.

A Tragic Situation on the Ground in Gaza

The Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip continues, with the Israeli army reporting the launch of two projectiles from northern Gaza. One was intercepted, while the other landed in an open area in southern Israel with no injuries reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli artillery shelling persists, with a targeted armored vehicle detonation in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the Israeli army is also firing on civilians waiting for aid near the Netzarim corridor in the central part of the Strip.

Medical sources have announced a significant rise in the death toll, with 31 people reaching Gaza hospitals since Sunday morning. The number is expected to climb as more bodies remain under rubble and on the streets, inaccessible to ambulance and rescue crews. The victims were distributed among several hospitals: 26 at Al-Shifa, two at Al-Ahli Arab (Baptist) Hospital, one at Al-Awda Hospital, and three at Nasser Hospital.

Wafa also reported continuous gunfire around the Wadi Gaza bridge. Since October 7, 2023, the total number of casualties in the Strip has risen to over 65,208 fatalities and 166,271 injuries. Nearly half a million people have fled Gaza City, the most populous city in the Strip.

UK and Portugal's Diplomatic Shift

In a significant diplomatic move, both the UK and Portugal plan to formally recognize the State of Palestine on Sunday, ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York. This step comes despite intense pressure from the US and Israel.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously stated that the UK would recognize Palestine if Israel did not take "substantive steps" in Gaza. However, media reports indicate that "in light of the deteriorating situation in Gaza," Starmer will announce the recognition on Sunday.

Starmer defended the move last July, saying it would contribute to a "genuine peace process," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused him of rewarding "savage terrorism" and appeasing "jihadist thought."

For its part, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that Lisbon "will recognize the Palestinian state" on Sunday, citing the "very worrying development of the conflict, both on the humanitarian level and in light of repeated signals of potential annexation of Palestinian territories."

The UK's Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, who will represent the UK at the UN General Assembly, stated that the recognition is a response to the "dangerous expansion we are seeing in the West Bank," specifically mentioning the "E1" settlement project, which would "seriously undermine the chances of a two-state solution." This project, which involves building 3,400 housing units, has been condemned by the UN as it could effectively split the West Bank in two.

Other Diplomatic and Political Developments

Several countries, most notably France, are also expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state during a summit on the future of the two-state solution, to be held on Monday and co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

• Egyptian-French Cooperation: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of the two-state solution conference as a pivotal step toward recognizing an independent Palestinian state. El-Sisi welcomed France's intention to recognize Palestine and called on other nations to follow suit.

• Kerem Shalom Crossing Closure: Israel announced the closure of the King Hussein Bridge (also known as the Allenby or Kerem Shalom Crossing) between Jordan and the West Bank in both directions. This closure follows a shooting incident by a truck driver transporting aid to Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers.