Portugal, one of the first countries in the world to recognise an independent sovereign state of Palestine, will welcome the broad consensus at last week’s United Nations Generally Assembly summit in New York.
Portugal’s formal declaration of a Palestinian state was made over a week ago, along with those of Canada and Australia and the United Kingdom.
The two-state solution Portugal has long advocated for Israel and the Palestinians is now supported by most other countries attending the New York meeting.
The permanent United Nations Security Council comprises only five nations: the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom .Four agree to a Palestinian state. Only the United States will use its veto in vehemently opposing a draft resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. .
Despite Israel’s war in Gaza and its hostile occupation of the West Bank being number one on last week’s United Nations agenda, the recognition of a Palestinian state is regarded by some as little more than symbolic. Israel has not only denounced the idea of a Palestinian state, but is adamant it will never happen.
Those in favour of an independent state are doubtful that Palestinian leaders are sufficiently able to prevent on-going corruption, and any future Hamas influence.
Internationally, an agreement by leading Israelis, Palestinians and Hamas militants for a two-state solution, that so many countries see as essential, is not going to happen any time soon if at all. So the war in Gaza and the West Bank looks like going on and on.
Written by Len Port
