UK, Portugal to recognise Palestinian state ahead of UN debate

London: Britain was set Sunday to recognise a Palestinian state, UK media said, ahead of key UN talks where several nations are poised to follow suit...

London: Britain was set Sunday to recognise a Palestinian state, UK media said, ahead of key UN talks where several nations are poised to follow suit to pressure Israel over Gaza.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer "will set out the position later on today," his deputy David Lammy told the BBC, stopping short of confirming that there would be a full recognition of a Palestinian state.

Portugal's foreign ministry also said in a statement that Lisbon "will recognise the State of Palestine" and that "the official declaration of recognition will be made on Sunday, September 21".

Although it would be a largely symbolic move, the UK would become the first G7 country to move towards full recognition of a State of Palestine, with France and others expected to follow at the annual UN General Assembly next week.

It is a watershed moment for Palestinian statehood, with the most powerful western nations for years holding out against recognition, arguing it had to be part of any two-state solution negotiated as part of a deal peace with Israel.