U.K. Proposes Recognition of Palestine, Conditional on Israel's Cooperation
The United Kingdom has taken a significant political step towards resolving the ongoing Middle East conflict, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing the country's intention to recognise a "State of Palestine." This announcement comes in the wake of a similar declaration by French President Emmanuel Macron last Friday.
Starmer justified the decision by stating that the current situation in Gaza is "unacceptable" and the chance of a "two-state solution" is diminishing. He emphasised that the Labour government demands that the Israeli government take "substantive steps" to end the crisis in Gaza and commit to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution.
The prime minister's move is aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, unlike President Macron, Starmer did not give Israel the opportunity to prevent this recognition. The recognition is conditional on Israel meeting a series of demands from the Labour government.
Israel is asked to rule out annexation of the West Bank, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to a peace process leading to a "two-state solution." The British Prime Minister's plan includes assessing Israel's compliance with these demands at the UN General Assembly in September. If Israel fails to meet these conditions, the UK, under Labour leadership, plans to recognise a Palestinian state by September.
The prime minister's statement requires Israel to take "substantive steps" to end the "deplorable situation" in Gaza. The Labour government wants Israel to contribute to a resolution of the conflict through these steps. The British Prime Minister's plan does not provide Israel with the opportunity to prevent recognition like President Macron's did.
The BBC reported this news late Tuesday evening. Starmer aims to ensure that the situation practically improves through this announcement. The final decision on the recognition will be made based on this assessment at the UN General Assembly in September.
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What's the response from Israel regarding the UK's policy-and-legislation decisions towards war-and-conflicts, particularly the recognition of a "State of Palestine"?The general-news outlets are awaiting the Israeli government's reaction to the Labour government's demand for substantive steps towards a two-state solution, which includes ruling out annexation of the West Bank and committing to a ceasefire. The BBC, in particular, is following this development closely.
