British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told his cabinet that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes concrete steps to end what he called the “appalling situation” in Gaza and meets additional conditions, according to a statement released by the British government.
This development poses a serious diplomatic challenge for Israel, coming just days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would move forward with recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.
Starmer reportedly said that Israel can prevent the UK’s recognition by agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, pledging not to annex the West Bank, and committing to a peace process that leads to a two-state solution.
Unlike Macron, who offered Israel no such path to avoid recognition, Starmer has faced mounting pressure from both Macron and members of his own Labour Party, many of whom see recognition as a means to increase pressure on Israel amid international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
If the UK follows through, it would become Israel’s closest ally to officially recognize a Palestinian state — a move that could prompt other Western nations to follow suit.
The government statement noted that Starmer “reiterated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and that our demands on Hamas remain, that they must release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm.”
Starmer also cut short his cabinet’s summer recess to hold an urgent meeting on a new peace initiative being developed in coordination with European leaders, as well as efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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7 Responses
Here’s an idea. First, Hamas disarms, returns all hostages and bodies. Next, Hamas signs a document that is filed in the UN stating that any violations it commits, whether a rocket, a terror attack, receiving any arms from Iran or elsewhere, etc., are an invitation to israel to bomb it to the Stone age. No one has the slightest reason to trust Hamas, who are pathological liars and unable to keep to any commitments. Their signature is worth nothing. But the UN will have record of such violation as a frank invitation.
Once there is some consistent compliance with these terms, israel will do its part. Yep, Israel will follow, not lead.
Reward for terrorism. Encourages more terrorism.
Real stupid leadership.
Mind my ignorance but either it should be recognised as a state or it shouldn’t regardless of israel’s actions?!
Is this some kind of “school punishment” to israel??????!!!!!
The only appalling situation in Gaza is the illegal ongoing holding of innocent hostages.
Everything else is đź’Ż sanctioned legal self defense.
Congrats to his courage! Mayb just maybe a lil less “Yiddish blood” although he’s probably deemed by the right wing and many idiots , the worst antisemite . Nobody is thinking. Trump should come out against Bibi not just by saying “the kids look like they’re hungry.” He should kick Bibi in the….
This ongoing madness is bad for Jews. Think a little all you crooked heads.
A lot of good it does (obviously) that he’s married to a reform Jewess.
englisher potz!