The UK government announced on 29/7 that "Prime Minister Keir Starmer informed the cabinet that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes concrete steps to end the dire situation in Gaza, achieves a ceasefire, commits to no annexation of the West Bank, and engages in a lasting peace process towards a two-state solution.".
The UK government also reiterated its demands that Hamas immediately release all hostages, disarm, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to having no role in a future Gaza government.
Speaking to the press after the cabinet meeting, Mr. Starmer explained that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires a long-term solution. The UK government's goal is "a safe and secure Israel existing alongside a sovereign and capable Palestinian state".
"I have commented many times that the prospect of the UK recognizing a Palestinian state would make a real contribution to a proper peace process in the region, and we will choose the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution. With that solution under threat, the time has come for us to act," he added.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks after an emergency cabinet meeting on the situation in Gaza on 29/7. Photo: AFP |
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks after an emergency cabinet meeting on the situation in Gaza on 29/7. Photo: AFP
Observers note that UK recognition of a Palestinian state is largely symbolic, as the Israeli military controls most of the territories envisioned for a Palestinian state, including the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
However, Mr. Starmer's announcement will further isolate Israel internationally. Many countries have exerted diplomatic pressure on Israel to open humanitarian aid access to Gaza, which is on the brink of a severe famine.
Gaza health officials are recording an increasing number of deaths from hunger-related causes. They have documented 147 such cases, including 88 children, who have died from malnutrition-related issues during the 22 months of conflict.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an international famine monitoring organization, warned this week that the food crisis in Gaza could soon be officially classified as a famine. "There is growing evidence that widespread food shortages, malnutrition and disease are contributing to a rising death toll," the IPC stated.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Mr. Starmer's announcement, saying the move "amounts to a reward for Hamas", undermines efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and the return of hostages in Gaza.
Thanh Danh (Reuters, Guardian)
