In an unprecedented move, around 600 prominent Portuguese figures, including politicians, academics, military personnel, and journalists, have signed a petition denouncing US-backed plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza.

The signatories addressed their appeal to the Portuguese government and the United Nations, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemning what they described as “Israel’s genocide in Gaza.” They also firmly rejected US proposals aimed at emptying the enclave of its indigenous population and turning it into a “tourist resort.”

The petition calls on the Portuguese government and the European Union to adopt a clear stance against forced displacement and to uphold the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, as enshrined in international law.

This initiative comes amid a growing wave of international opposition to Israeli policies backed by Washington, with mounting concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza following months of relentless attacks.