Starmer's decision to acknowledge Palestine as a state represents a significant change of stance
The United Kingdom is poised to make a significant policy shift in its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with plans to recognize a Palestinian state potentially taking place this weekend. This recognition, if realized, would mark one of the biggest policy changes the Labour government has made on this issue since the conflict began.
The decision comes amidst increasing pressure from within the UK's political landscape. Over 100 MPs, including many of Keir Starmer's own, have demanded the government to state its position on recognizing a Palestinian state. This call for action follows a year in power for the Labour government, during which they have faced substantial dissatisfaction within their base, leading to independent candidates taking major Labour seats.
While the recognition of Palestine was a commitment in the Labour manifesto, the move is also being influenced by conditions set by some Arab states as a hope for a peace deal. However, it's important to note that the UK's announcement focuses on recognition without reporting any immediate sanctions.
The UK government has suspended talks on a trade deal with Israel, but it has not exported any bombs or ammunition for use in military operations in Gaza. Most military export licenses to Israel are for commercial or civilian use, such as product testing or body-armour for journalists and NGOs.
The UK government has, however, imposed new sanctions against organizations that have supported and perpetuated 'heinous abuses of human rights' against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. Two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have been sanctioned for 'repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities'.
The Labour government, upon coming to power last year, has taken steps to address the conflict. They removed blocks on the delivery of humanitarian aid, restored UK funding for UNRWA, and demanded the international courts be respected. However, some within the shadow front bench at the time believed the change in position came too late.
Notably, Keir Starmer's reputation among those passionate about Gaza was affected by an LBC interview he did, where he seemed to suggest Israel had the right to withhold power and water from Gaza. Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has gone a step further, publicly labeling Israel's actions as genocidal.
The SNP has also played a role in the ongoing discourse, forcing a vote calling for a ceasefire, which Labour initially did not support, but later changed their position. The Labour party changed its position from supporting a 'humanitarian pause' to an 'immediate ceasefire' four months into a war.
The UK government has stated that it will respect its obligations in regards to an international arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. The European Commission, meanwhile, plans EU-wide sanctions including against Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir (Security) and Bezalel Smotrich (Finance) for incitement related to West Bank violence.
As the UK moves towards this potential recognition of a Palestinian state, the implications for the region and the ongoing conflict remain to be seen.
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