Qatar on Sunday welcomed decisions by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal to recognize the State of Palestine, calling the coordinated step “a victory for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and urging other governments to follow.
The Foreign Ministry said the recognitions align with international law and recent United Nations diplomacy aimed at reviving a two-state solution. It cited “international legitimacy, relevant Security Council resolutions, and the New York Declaration,” a General Assembly measure adopted this month backing a pathway to two states.
United Kingdom formally recognized Palestine on Sept. 21, saying the move is intended to keep alive the possibility of peace. Canada and Australia announced recognition the same day, framing the decision as support for a negotiated settlement and reforms under a strengthened Palestinian Authority. Portugal’s foreign minister, Paulo Rangel, announced Lisbon’s recognition in New York ahead of UN meetings and called two states the only path to a just and lasting peace.
Israel denounced the recognitions, further stating that they increase insecurity and encourage violence. Those who long for change think it means that people are not content with Gaza strife and settlement expansion in the West Bank. They would prefer to keep the door open for diplomacy so that the war is brought to an end.
Qatar, which has often acted as a mediator, said it will keep supporting projects that are in line with the UN motion passed in New York. It also urged nations that have not yet recognized Palestine to do the same.
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