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Preparing Recognition of Palestinian State by Starmer Prior to UN Assembly

Prime Minister of the UK navigating a delicate balancing act, both domestically and internationally.

Preparations underway for Starmer to acknowledge Palestinian state ahead of United Nations meeting
Preparations underway for Starmer to acknowledge Palestinian state ahead of United Nations meeting

Preparing Recognition of Palestinian State by Starmer Prior to UN Assembly

The United Kingdom is set to make a significant move in international politics by recognizing a Palestinian state on Sunday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be the one to make the declaration, marking a significant shift in the country's stance towards Palestine.

Despite the impending recognition, the U.K. has not changed its timescale nor its conditions on Israel. The move is expected to gain extra credit with Labour MPs and party members, who have long advocated for this recognition.

However, the decision has not been without controversy. Some Cabinet ministers and many MPs have pushed hard for recognition, facing criticism for the party's line on Gaza. Keir Starmer is trying to balance his party's support for Palestinians with his alliance with Trump, who has expressed opposition to the U.K.'s recognition of Palestine.

The recognition will take place before meetings kick off in New York, where the United Nations General Assembly will be held. The flag-raising ceremony for the Palestinian state is scheduled to take place in London, overseen by Husam Zumlot, the Head of Palestinian Mission to the U.K.

The question of using the word "genocide" to describe the situation in Gaza is a complex one. According to a senior Labour MP, the decision is considered to be "up to the courts." London Mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that the situation in Gaza is a genocide, following a U.N. commission report. This genocide question could lead to the next major internal party disagreement, with the focus shifting towards sanctions on Israel.

The technicalities regarding acknowledging the state without interacting with Hamas and sending an ambassador to the West Bank are still unclear. The MP also suggests that the question of sanctions could become a significant point of contention, including among Labour members.

The recognition of Palestine by the U.K. is seen as an important "first step" by foreign diplomats. The move is timed to coincide with Labour's annual conference in Liverpool, which could boost Starmer's standing among his MPs. Emily Thornberry, a Labour MP, has expressed her long-awaited support for the recognition.

Domestically, backing out of the recognition could potentially harm Starmer's political standing. The U.K.'s recognition of Palestine is due despite opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. The recognition will be made at the United Nations on Monday, marking a significant moment in the U.K.'s foreign policy.

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