Lisbon Council Condemns Israel's Actions as "Genocide Against the Palestinian People" - PSD/CDS Oppose

The Lisbon City Council has taken a firm stance this Wednesday, condemning what it describes as the "genocide of the Palestinian people" by Israel. The resolution, which passed with opposition from PSD/CDS-PP, calls for the recognition of the State of Palestine and the enforcement of the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Proposed by the PCP during a public executive meeting, the solidarity vote aims to institutionally express support for the Palestinian people and denounce the crimes attributed to Israel. As a symbolic gesture, the Castle of São Jorge will have its lights turned off every night for at least an hour until the next council meeting in September.

Carlos Moedas (PSD), the Mayor of Lisbon, justified the opposition's vote by criticizing the resolution's failure to label Hamas as a "terrorist organization" and expressed his "total repudiation" of the Israeli government's policies while showing solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The resolution was approved with votes from all opposition councilors, including PCP, PS, Livre, BE, and Cidadãos Por Lisboa. It vehemently condemns the actions of Israel and appeals for the State of Palestine to be recognized within pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and for the right of return for Palestinian refugees as per UN resolutions.

The document highlights the horror and suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, criticizing the silence and subservience towards Israel and its allies, notably the USA and the European Union, as contrary to the spirit of the Portuguese Constitution.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, initiated by Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with Israel's retaliation causing over 60,000 deaths, widespread infrastructure damage, and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by blocked aid deliveries.