UK, Portugal to recognise Palestinian state ahead of UN debate | International

LONDON, Sept 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Britain and Portugal were on Sunday 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. A growing 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...