Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to reveal a landmark decision on Sunday afternoon: the United Kingdom’s official recognition of a Palestinian state. This policy shift follows Starmer’s earlier statement in July, where he indicated the UK would alter its stance in September unless Israel took concrete steps, including a ceasefire in Gaza and a commitment to a peace deal fostering a two-state solution.
This change represents a considerable evolution in British foreign policy, moving away from the long-held position that statehood should be a negotiated outcome rather than a unilateral declaration. The decision has, however, sparked strong reactions, with the Israeli government, families of hostages, and some Conservative politicians expressing significant criticism.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized such a move as “rewarding terror.” Conversely, British ministers emphasize a moral imperative to act, aiming to preserve the possibility of a lasting peace. Citing the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with images of starvation and violence being described as “intolerable” by the Prime Minister, government sources suggest the urgency for action has grown.
The ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza City have forced hundreds of thousands to flee, with a UN official describing the situation as “cataclysmic.” This humanitarian crisis has intensified calls for a political resolution.
Adding to the complexity, a UN commission of inquiry recently concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a finding that Israel has vehemently refuted. Meanwhile, the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, deemed illegal under international law, is cited as a key driver for the UK’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood. Justice Secretary David Lammy highlighted the controversial E1 settlement project as a critical factor, stating it risks undermining the prospects of a two-state solution.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the UK’s pledge, and discussions are reportedly underway regarding the future governance of Palestine, with Hamas explicitly excluded. However, some political figures, like Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have voiced concerns, calling the timing premature and arguing it rewards terrorism. Families of hostages have also appealed for the decision to be deferred until all hostages are released.
The government maintains that its demands for Hamas to release hostages and agree to a ceasefire remain unchanged. Foreign Office officials, however, argue that statehood is a fundamental right for Palestinians and should not be contingent on Hamas. This development comes as several other nations, including Portugal, France, Canada, and Australia, have also signaled their intention to recognize a Palestinian state, following similar steps by Spain, Ireland, and Norway last year. While Palestine is recognized by a majority of UN member states, its statehood remains largely symbolic due to undefined borders and the absence of a unified governance structure.
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