Portugal considers recognizing Palestinian state in September

Portugal may soon take a significant diplomatic step by recognizing the State of Palestine, as its government confirmed Thursday it is actively exploring the move ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September.

In a statement from the office of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, officials said Lisbon would engage in consultations with both the President and Parliament in the coming weeks before making a final decision.

"Portugal is considering recognition of the Palestinian state, as part of a procedure that could be concluded during the high-level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to be held in New York in September," the statement read.

The announcement places Portugal among a growing number of European countries publicly weighing recognition of Palestine amid mounting international scrutiny over the situation in Gaza.