Sir Keir Starmer is anticipated to announce the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state in a statement scheduled for Sunday afternoon. In July, he indicated that the UK’s stance would shift unless certain conditions were met by Israel, including a ceasefire in Gaza and a commitment to a long-term peace process supporting a two-state solution.
Historically, the UK has called for a resolution where a Palestinian state coexists alongside Israel. However, Israeli leadership has largely refrained from engaging in this process during ongoing conflicts, particularly with Hamas. The potential announcement has already faced backlash from the Israeli government, families of hostages in Gaza, and some members of the Conservative Party. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the recognition as a reward for terrorism.
The decision marks a significant change in UK foreign policy, as previous governments maintained that recognition should be contingent on a peace process. Proponents argue that action is needed to sustain hopes for a long-term resolution. Efforts for a ceasefire have struggled, especially following recent air strikes by Israel that drew international criticism. Government sources have noted a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with alarming reports of starvation and violence.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK’s recognition pledge, and conversations with Starmer suggested that Hamas should not play a role in any future governance of Palestine. However, conservative critics have raised concerns about recognition occurring while hostages are still detained, suggesting it could complicate rescue efforts.
The UK joins several other nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood, although Palestine’s recognition lacks universally agreed-upon borders, a capital, or military force, making such acknowledgment largely symbolic. The two-state solution envisions a Palestinian state based in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital, but current Israeli occupation complicates this reality. Critics have also noted that the UK’s conditions for Israel appear more stringent than those for Hamas.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce800enrglzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss