In a historic decision, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the United Kingdom will recognize the State of Palestine if the Government of Israel does not take “substantial measures” to end the serious situation in the Gaza Strip and agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas.
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The announcement of the United Kingdom comes less than a week after France announced that it will recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
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What did Starmer say about the recognition of Palestine?
“United Kingdom will recognize the State of Palestine before the United Nations General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantial steps to end the terrible situation in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, and commits to a sustainable long-term peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution,” said the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
According to Starmer, this includes “allowing the UN to resume aid delivery and making it clear that there will be no annexations in the West Bank,” in response to the threat from several Israeli cabinet ministers who have proposed annexing that Palestinian region in recent days.
Starmer has also indicated that an evaluation will be carried out before the UN General Assembly “on the degree of compliance with these steps by the actors.”
The British Prime Minister stated that “the condition of a Palestinian state is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people” and that “it is not a gift from any neighbor”, while also being “essential for the long-term security of Israel”.
“We believe that a ceasefire will not last without urgent work on governance and security in Gaza, and the prospect of a long-term political agreement. Therefore, we are preparing a plan with our key allies for long-term political negotiations and a two-state solution,” Starmer added.
On the other hand, the resident of 10 Downing Street said that “Hamas is a terrorist organization responsible for the atrocities of October 7th”. “Hamas must never be rewarded,” he said, urging the Palestinian militia to “immediately release all hostages, sign an immediate ceasefire, accept that they will not participate in the Gaza government, and commit to disarmament.”
France applauds the decision of the United Kingdom
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot later applauded in a message posted on social media that the United Kingdom has joined “the momentum created” by Paris to recognize the State of Palestine.
“Together, through this transcendental decision and our combined efforts, we are putting an end to the endless cycle of violence and reopening the prospect of peace in the region. A clear and just idea, nothing and no one can resist it,” said Barrot.