London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes substantive steps, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
According to Nam News Network, the potentially landmark move is part of Starmer's plan for lasting peace and follows urgent talks on the worsening situation in Gaza. Starmer's announcement, alongside a similar stance from Paris, positions the UK and France to be the first G7 nations to recognise Palestine formally.
Starmer outlined several demands for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for holding Israeli hostages. He called for the immediate release of hostages, a ceasefire, disarmament, and exclusion from Gaza's governance.
Israel rejected the UK's decision, arguing it rewards Hamas and undermines ceasefire efforts. Starmer communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the announcement, urging action to lift aid restrictions. The UK leader also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who welcomed the recognition.
This move by the UK follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of recognising a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting. While over 140 countries recognise Palestine, the UK's and France's positions carry significant weight due to their UN Security Council status and nuclear capabilities.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed support for the UK's decision, seeing it as part of a momentum to halt violence. Macron's announcement previously drew criticism from Israel and the United States.
Starmer indicated that the UK government will assess the situation in September, determining whether the parties have met the outlined demands. He emphasized that no veto would influence the UK's decision.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, participating in a UN conference in New York, reiterated the historical responsibility the UK holds in recognising Palestinian statehood, referencing the 1917 Balfour Declaration.
Starmer has faced increasing pressure from both domestic and international fronts. During Macron's UK state visit, the French President advocated for joint recognition of Palestine, and over 220 British MPs have urged Starmer to act.
The Labour Party's manifesto already included plans for a two-state solution, and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza have intensified calls for action. In his address, Starmer highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people and announced the UK's first aid drop into Gaza, facilitated by Jordan.
Starmer expressed gratitude to Jordan's King Abdullah II for the assistance, marking a significant step in the UK's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
