The Portuguese Foreign Minister, Rangel, considered the situation in the West Bank to be "extremely concerning". This statement comes in the context of a broader discussion on Portuguese foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Portugal, together with 11 other countries, has been advocating for and justifying limitations on trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This position is part of a broader strategy of Portuguese diplomacy to condemn the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories.
The Portuguese position is based on the conviction that settlement activity in the occupied territories constitutes an obstacle to the peace process and the two-state solution. Rangel has used international forums to reinforce this position, arguing that trade with the settlements indirectly legitimizes the occupation.
This stance by the Portuguese government reflects a consistent line of recognition of the State of Palestine and of diplomatic pressure on Israel, aligning with the European Union's position regarding the territories occupied since 1967.
