London – UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy announced that the anticipated recognition of a Palestinian state will not result in its establishment “overnight,” emphasizing that any acknowledgment must be grounded in a broader peace process, reports 24brussels.
Lammy’s remarks come amid escalating tensions and preparations for high-level meetings at the UN summit scheduled to begin on September 23. He confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to disclose a decision regarding Palestinian statehood later today, following a perceived deterioration in the humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The UK government is poised to formally recognize Palestine, as Starmer’s assessment indicates that Israel has failed to meet conditions set forth in July. These conditions are tied to improvements in the humanitarian situation, which Starmer noted had not been realized in recent weeks.
“Any step to recognise it is because we wish to keep alive the prospects of a two-state solution,”
Starmer had previously urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the “appalling situation in Gaza,” calling for a ceasefire and the restoration of UN aid to the region. Netanyahu has since criticized Starmer’s stance, accusing him of “rewarding Hamas’s monstrous terrorism while punishing its victims.”
Why is Keir Starmer preparing to recognise Palestine now?
The official recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK is anticipated to occur on Sunday, ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting. Starmer’s earlier comments indicated that this recognition would follow serious inaction from Israel to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Starmer highlighted in July that he would take this step if conditions did not improve before the gathering of world leaders at the UN. His administration has insisted that the recognition process would not be seen as an endorsement of Hamas.
As military operations continue and a humanitarian emergency unfolds in Gaza, UK ministers are increasingly concerned about Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank. These developments are viewed as jeopardizing any viable two-state solution.
Why does the UK link recognition to a humanitarian crisis?
The Labour Party has stressed that recognizing a Palestinian state should not be interpreted as compensation for Hamas, asserting that they will not engage in governing Gaza going forward. Furthermore, the party is expected to escalate sanctions against Hamas and has amplified demands for the release of hostages.
