UK Threatens to Recognize Palestinian State Unless Israel Meets Conditions

UK Threatens to Recognize Palestinian State Unless Israel Meets Conditions

In a bold move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN meeting in September, contingent upon Israel meeting certain conditions. The decision comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with over 60,000 Palestinians killed since Israel's offensive began.

Starmer urged Israel to take "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza", including agreeing to a ceasefire. The UK Prime Minister also called on Israel to address the dire food security situation, which a UN-backed body described as "the worst-case scenario of famine".

The recognition of a Palestinian state would be a significant shift in UK foreign policy, aligning with the stance of approximately 140 countries that already formally recognize Palestine. France has also pledged to recognize a Palestinian state at the same UN meeting.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Starmer's announcement, criticizing the UK for "rewarding Hamas" and "punishing its victims". However, the UK remains committed to its goal of achieving a "safe and secure" Israel alongside a "viable and sovereign" Palestinian state.

The UK's decision is seen as a crucial step towards reinvigorating the stalled peace process and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.