Sir Keir Starmer outlines conditions for recognition amid growing humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
UK to Grant Palestinian State Recognition Pending Israeli Actions
UK to Grant Palestinian State Recognition Pending Israeli Actions
The UK government plans to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly unless Israel makes key commitments.
The UK government is set to recognize the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel takes significant steps to address the dire situation in Gaza, according to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He emphasized that Israel must agree to a ceasefire, commit to a long-term peace to achieve a two-state solution, and allow the United Nations to resume aid deliveries. Should these conditions not be met, the UK may proceed with recognition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized this potential move, claiming it would reward Hamas's terrorist actions. The UK has previously maintained that recognition should align with efforts that maximize impact within a peace process framework. Nonetheless, pressure is mounting for immediate action, particularly from MPs within Starmer's own party.
France recently announced it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first G7 nation to do so, reflecting a shift in international response. At a news conference following an emergency cabinet meeting, Starmer highlighted the "intolerable situation" in Gaza, indicating that the potential for a two-state solution is dwindling. He reiterated the UK's commitment to ensure a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state, which is now under unprecedented strain.
Starmer called for Israel to reaffirm its stance against further annexations in the West Bank. He also stipulated that Hamas must take immediate measures, including releasing hostages and agreeing to a ceasefire, and must renounce any role in governing Gaza. In a stark response, Netanyahu asserted that the formation of a jihadist state adjacent to Israel would pose future threats to the UK.
The political climate is complicated, with former US President Donald Trump stating no prior discussion had occurred between him and Starmer regarding this shift. He expressed reservations about recognition of Palestinian statehood as it might inadvertently reward Hamas.
In the UK parliament, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey supported the announcement but urged the government to act more decisively by recognizing Palestine immediately and pushing for solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Meanwhile, 255 MPs have signed a letter requesting the UK to officially recognize the state of Palestine, indicating widespread political support.
Critics argue that the Prime Minister's recognition is conditional and should not be tied to Israel's actions since recognition is fundamentally about Palestinian self-determination. On the other hand, representatives from the Conservative Party and Reform UK have argued against the timing of recognition, contending it would merit a reward for Hamas's violent acts.
Starmer's announcement follows collaborative discussions with leaders from France and Germany about sustainable measures towards a two-state solution. However, Germany remains resistant to immediate recognition.
Most nations globally recognize Palestine, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway having taken similar steps in the past year. It underscores the call for Palestinian rights in various international forums, although skepticism remains regarding the meaningfulness of such recognition without addressing underlying leadership and structural issues. Recently, during a UN conference, Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed humanitarian efforts being undertaken, including coordinated aid deliveries to Gaza, where the ongoing crisis continues to unfold amidst contradictory claims of aid restrictions from both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized this potential move, claiming it would reward Hamas's terrorist actions. The UK has previously maintained that recognition should align with efforts that maximize impact within a peace process framework. Nonetheless, pressure is mounting for immediate action, particularly from MPs within Starmer's own party.
France recently announced it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first G7 nation to do so, reflecting a shift in international response. At a news conference following an emergency cabinet meeting, Starmer highlighted the "intolerable situation" in Gaza, indicating that the potential for a two-state solution is dwindling. He reiterated the UK's commitment to ensure a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state, which is now under unprecedented strain.
Starmer called for Israel to reaffirm its stance against further annexations in the West Bank. He also stipulated that Hamas must take immediate measures, including releasing hostages and agreeing to a ceasefire, and must renounce any role in governing Gaza. In a stark response, Netanyahu asserted that the formation of a jihadist state adjacent to Israel would pose future threats to the UK.
The political climate is complicated, with former US President Donald Trump stating no prior discussion had occurred between him and Starmer regarding this shift. He expressed reservations about recognition of Palestinian statehood as it might inadvertently reward Hamas.
In the UK parliament, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey supported the announcement but urged the government to act more decisively by recognizing Palestine immediately and pushing for solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Meanwhile, 255 MPs have signed a letter requesting the UK to officially recognize the state of Palestine, indicating widespread political support.
Critics argue that the Prime Minister's recognition is conditional and should not be tied to Israel's actions since recognition is fundamentally about Palestinian self-determination. On the other hand, representatives from the Conservative Party and Reform UK have argued against the timing of recognition, contending it would merit a reward for Hamas's violent acts.
Starmer's announcement follows collaborative discussions with leaders from France and Germany about sustainable measures towards a two-state solution. However, Germany remains resistant to immediate recognition.
Most nations globally recognize Palestine, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway having taken similar steps in the past year. It underscores the call for Palestinian rights in various international forums, although skepticism remains regarding the meaningfulness of such recognition without addressing underlying leadership and structural issues. Recently, during a UN conference, Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed humanitarian efforts being undertaken, including coordinated aid deliveries to Gaza, where the ongoing crisis continues to unfold amidst contradictory claims of aid restrictions from both sides.
