British Prime Minister: We’ll recognize the State of Palestine in September if Israel doesn’t stop the war
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday that his country intends to recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly meeting scheduled for next September, if Israel doesn’t agree to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and take concrete steps to end the worsening humanitarian crisis there.
In a statement issued by Starmer’s office, he affirmed Britain’s commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for the Israeli government to take urgent action to halt the deteriorating situation in Gaza, including allowing the United Nations to resume providing humanitarian aid without delay to save the population from the threat of famine.
The statement emphasized that recognition of the State of Palestine is linked to the implementation of serious steps, such as a ceasefire and Israel’s clarification that it has no intention of annexing territory in Gaza or the West Bank.
It added that Britain doesn’t equate Israel with Hamas, and that its demands on the Palestinian side remain valid, while expressing its readiness to conduct a comprehensive assessment before the General Assembly convenes to make a final decision.
Starmer also stressed the need to open the border crossings continuously and allow 500 food trucks into Gaza daily, noting his country’s support for the efforts made by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Strip.
In a related development, French President Emmanuel Macron also announced his intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine before the UN General Assembly next September, a move that reflects growing international pressure to end the conflict and find a comprehensive political solution.
