Hezbollah welcomed recent decisions by several countries to officially recognize the State of Palestine, describing the move as an overdue but important sign that the Palestinian cause remains alive in global consciousness.

In a statement issued Thursday by its Arab and International Relations Unit, the Lebanese resistance movement said the recognition reflected a growing awareness among the global opinion of the justice of the Palestinian struggle.

Recognition reflects resilience of Palestinians

Hezbollah stressed that while such recognition does not change the daily suffering of Palestinians under occupation or in exile, particularly amid nearly two years of ongoing massacres in Gaza, it represents a significant political shift.

The movement emphasized that this change in international positions would not have occurred without the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in resisting forced displacement and genocide, as well as their “heroic resistance to the killing machine of the Zionist enemy supported by the United States and forces of hegemony.”

Hezbollah urged the international community and all influential actors to shoulder their responsibilities and take more effective measures to halt what it described as crimes against more than two million people in Gaza, and to thwart the blockade, starvation, and systematic displacement imposed by the Israeli occupation.

The statement came after several countries, led by France, officially recognized Palestine on Monday during the launch of the UN-sponsored “two-state solution” conference in New York.

Numerous countries recognize Palestine

Portugal has officially recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the latest Western country to take this step after similar announcements by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced the decision on Sunday, affirming Lisbon’s support for a two-state solution, which he described as “the only viable path toward achieving a just and lasting peace.”

The move came just hours after the governments of Britain, Canada, and Australia announced their formal recognition of the State of Palestine. Israeli media described the development as a “diplomatic tsunami,” coming on the eve of the UN General Assembly meetings, where several more countries are expected to take similar steps.

Support for flotilla breaking Gaza blockade

Hezbollah also saluted the international campaign aimed at lifting the siege on Gaza, praising efforts to dispatch a maritime flotilla to break the blockade and expressing solidarity with participants from around the world.

The group strongly condemned Israeli threats against the flotilla, describing them as piracy and organized bullying carried out in full view of the international community. It called on states along the flotilla’s route to protect it, prevent any aggression, and denounce Israeli practices, warning of “serious consequences” if such violations continue.

The organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, currently en route to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip, confirmed early Thursday that several governments have warned their citizens participating in the mission of an “imminent Israeli attack.”

According to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent, the flotilla is currently navigating toward Greek territorial waters in a bid to minimize the chances of a direct assault by "Israel."

On Wednesday, activists aboard the Libyan Omar al-Mukhtar hospital ship reported that three drones flew overhead in what appeared to be a surveillance operation. Despite sailing alone to catch up with the main fleet, the crew stated that the ship remains on course and is carrying a mobile medical clinic.

The volunteers on board emphasized that they will continue their mission despite growing threats.