Morning recap

 Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

• Portugal said on Sunday it recognises a Palestinian state, making it the latest Western nation to make the move, the decision, announced alongside recognition by Canada and Australia and the UK.

• European officials have reportedly warned Israel not to proceed with plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Officials cautioned Israeli leaders that if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government dismantles what has been built in the region, “they will bear the consequences,” according to reports. No further details were provided.

• Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University, north of Ramallah, at dawn on Monday. Palestine TV confirmed the raid, while videos shared online showed military vehicles inside the campus and positioned at its gates.

• In his first remarks since the recognition of Palestine, Netanyahu dismissed the move and insisted: “It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

• Netanyahu added that Israel’s formal response would be announced after he returns from a visit to the United States later this week.