Ana Gomes has called for Portugal to be proactive on a European level, supporting the longstanding UN resolutions advocating for the “withdrawal from Palestine and the establishment of two states”. Speaking at a demonstration in Lisbon, she highlighted Portugal’s historical role in promoting international law and human rights, referencing the nation’s efforts in East Timor.
She emphasized that without respect for human rights, peaceful resolutions are unattainable, underscoring “the right to self-determination” as fundamental. Ana Gomes argued that ongoing occupations in Palestine, Gaza, and the West Bank obstruct peace in the region and worldwide, noting Portugal’s past active role in seeking conflict resolution.
Ana Gomes recalled the efforts of Mário Soares, “the first head of state to stay overnight in Gaza with [Yasser] Arafat [historical leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, PLO]”, during peace efforts in the 1980s and 1990s.
She criticized the regression since then, attributing this to far-right forces globally, beginning with the United States, and their complicity with Israeli policies that escalate conflict and undermine the two-state solution.
Despite civil society’s mobilization in Lisbon, Ana Gomes expressed that the demonstration does not adequately reflect the severity of the situation in Palestine and its impact on the “collective dignity” and security of the Portuguese people.
She urged greater mobilization in Portugal similar to other countries, lamenting that many Portuguese remain disengaged, absorbed in everyday life and television. Ana Gomes stressed the necessity for action, warning of repercussions for Europe’s peace and security.
The demonstration, organized by the Platform for Solidarity with Palestine (PUSP), composed of Amnesty International Portugal, Greenpeace Portugal, Doctors Without Borders, and the José Saramago Foundation, among others, called for peace in the territory and respect for the recently signed ceasefire.
