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UK to Recognize Palestinian State if Israel Fails to Act

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on September 12, 2023, that the United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza and allows United Nations aid into the region. This declaration comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, prompting increased pressure on the UK government from both lawmakers and the public.

During a rare summer Cabinet meeting, Starmer articulated the conditions under which the UK would take this significant step towards recognition. He emphasized that the Israeli government must take substantial actions to alleviate the dire situation in Gaza, including agreeing to a cease-fire, facilitating aid deliveries, and committing to a long-term peace process. Starmer’s remarks reflect a broader frustration among many Britons regarding the humanitarian crisis, as graphic images of suffering in Gaza circulate widely.

The Prime Minister’s statement followed discussions with President Donald Trump, who indicated he did not oppose Starmer’s position on Palestinian statehood during their meeting in Scotland. Starmer stated, “Britain will recognize a state of Palestine before the United Nations General Assembly, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.”

Starmer outlined specific conditions, which include allowing the UN to resume aid deliveries and ensuring there will be no further annexations in the West Bank. These requirements touch on some of the most entrenched issues in the ongoing conflict. Given the current political climate in Israel, it appears unlikely that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet these conditions, as his administration has historically rejected the two-state solution on both nationalistic and security grounds.

Israel’s foreign ministry has expressed strong opposition to the UK’s potential recognition, stating that it rewards Hamas and undermines efforts to secure a cease-fire. The ministry criticized the British government’s shift in position, which follows similar actions by France, indicating a growing international momentum towards recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Starmer reiterated the UK’s demands that Hamas release all hostages, agree to a cease-fire, and disarm. He indicated that the UK would evaluate the situation in September 2023 to determine if the necessary steps have been taken before making a final decision on recognition. Historically, the UK has supported the idea of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but has maintained that recognition should result from a negotiated two-state solution.

In light of recent developments, Starmer acknowledged a shift in the landscape, stating, “The very idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.” He affirmed that the right to statehood is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people, a sentiment echoed by more than 250 members of the UK Parliament who have signed a letter urging recognition.

The pressure to formally recognize Palestinian statehood has intensified since French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would become the first major Western power to take such a step in September. Over 140 countries already recognize Palestine as a state, including several European nations. While British recognition would largely be symbolic, it could increase diplomatic pressure for conflict resolution, especially given Starmer’s apparent support from Trump.

The UK’s historic role in the region adds complexity to its stance. As the former governing power of Palestine and author of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which supported the establishment of a Jewish homeland, the UK carries a unique responsibility. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized this responsibility, stating, “Our support for Israel, its right to exist, and the security of its people, is steadfast. However, the Balfour Declaration came with the promise that nothing shall be done to prejudice the civil and religious rights of the Palestinian people.”

France welcomed the UK’s announcement, viewing it as a continuation of the momentum for recognition that they initiated. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remarked, “The United Kingdom is joining the momentum created by France for the recognition of the state of Palestine,” highlighting the collaborative international effort towards this recognition.

As the situation unfolds, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the UK’s final stance on Palestinian statehood, particularly in the context of ongoing violence and humanitarian needs in Gaza.

Our Editorial team doesn’t just report the news—we live it. Backed by years of frontline experience, we hunt down the facts, verify them to the letter, and deliver the stories that shape our world. Fueled by integrity and a keen eye for nuance, we tackle politics, culture, and technology with incisive analysis. When the headlines change by the minute, you can count on us to cut through the noise and serve you clarity on a silver platter.

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