Breaking: Britain recognises Palestinian state after Israel ignores ultimatum
- Britain has formally recognised the State of Palestine, citing Israel’s failure to halt its military campaign in Gaza
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move aims to revive hopes for peace and a two-state solution
- The decision comes as international pressure mounts over the humanitarian crisis and is expected to influence other nations at the UN
Britain formally recognised the State of Palestine on Sunday, citing Israel’s failure to meet conditions including a ceasefire in the nearly two-year-old Gaza war.
The announcement, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signalled a significant shift in UK foreign policy and carried symbolic weight given Britain’s historic role in the creation of modern Israel following World War Two.
Source: Getty Images
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” Starmer declared on X, formerly Twitter.
The decision comes amid mounting international pressure to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which Starmer described as “utterly intolerable”.
He condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign, stating:
“The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable.”
Gaza war prompts diplomatic realignment
The Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken, has since escalated into a devastating war.
According to Gazan health authorities, more than 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed. The offensive has also led to widespread famine, the destruction of infrastructure, and mass displacement.
Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticised the UK’s move, along with similar decisions by Canada and Australia, calling it a reward for “murderers”—a reference to Hamas.
Palestinian leadership welcomes UK support
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Britain’s recognition, describing it as a step towards peaceful coexistence. He said the move would help pave the way for the “State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighborliness”.
Starmer also wrote directly to Abbas to confirm the UK’s position, referencing Britain’s 1917 support for a Jewish homeland while pledging to uphold the rights of non-Jewish communities.
“I reaffirm the United Kingdom’s commitment to a Palestinian State for the Palestinian people, and our enduring support for a two-state solution in which Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace and security,” he stated.
Britain’s recognition is expected to influence other nations, with France among those anticipated to follow suit during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Source: Twitter
Keir Starmer officially becomes Prime Minister
Legit.ng earlier reported that emerging reports on Friday, July 5, disclosed that Keir Starmer has officially become the UK's new prime minister after a meeting with King Charles III.
As reported by Sky News, the Labour leader had his meeting in Buckingham Palace after Rishi Sunak stepped down following the worst-ever general election result for the Conservatives.
Source: Legit.ng
