Britain says it will recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire.
London demands that Tel Aviv end the humanitarian blockade, make it clear that there will be no annexation of the West Bank, and commit to a two-state solution.
BarcelonaThe United Kingdom will recognize the Palestinian state in September if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and take substantial steps to end the current "appalling" humanitarian situation. This was announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to his cabinet on Tuesday, according to a government statement.
Starmer "has said that the United Kingdom will recognize the state of Palestine in September, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, unless the Israeli government takes substantial steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agrees a ceasefire, and leaves with a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution," the statement said. The premier "reiterated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas," so his "demands of Hamas remain." "They must release all the hostages, sign a ceasefire, accept that they will have no role in governing Gaza, and disarm," he states.
After weeks of internal pressure—from several members of the Labour Party—who denounced the extreme famine in Gaza, Starmer has relented and announced the decision in an extraordinary session of his cabinet. At the meeting, they discussed a new peace plan for the Strip, which is being developed with other European leaders, and another to deliver more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The UK announcement comes Just days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he would recognize the Palestinian state in September to pressure Israel.
Previous British governments have so far avoided formally recognizing the Palestinian state, claiming that they were waiting for the right time, but without setting a timetable or specifying the necessary conditions.
"The devastation in Gaza is devastating, children are starving, and Israel's aid blockade has shocked the world," the Foreign Secretary denounced in an appearance before the United Nations General Assembly, where he ratified the intention of the UN to reconvene in September. "The United Kingdom will recognize the state of Palestine if Israel does not act to end the appalling situation in Gaza, end the military campaign, and commit to a peace based on a two-state solution," he reiterated. He also warned that "the Netanyahu government's intention to reject the two-state solution is wrong, morally and strategically."
