UK's Kemi Badenoch warns that recognizing Palestinian state is equivalent to 'rewarding terrorism,' as Conservative leader claims Labour is condemning Israel for retaliating following Hamas massacre.
The UK government is preparing to formally recognise the Palestinian state, a move announced by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in July. However, this decision has sparked a heated debate within the political sphere, with the Conservative party expressing concerns.
Sir Keir Starmer has denied accusations that he was waiting for the US president to leave the UK before announcing recognition. The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has been vocal in her criticism, stating that Sir Keir's foreign policy is one of 'condemning our allies, indulging our adversaries, and handing away our sovereignty.'
Badenoch also criticised Sir Keir for over-relying on international bodies and the courts in explaining his actions. She has proposed a new foreign policy plan based on 'Conservative realism' which will be launched at the Conservative party's annual conference this year.
The Conservative party's stance on the matter is influenced by the need to maintain close relations with Israel. Badenoch has warned that recognising a Palestinian state would be 'rewarding terrorism.' Meanwhile, the PM has found himself at odds with the US administration over the move, which is opposed to official recognition of Palestine.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated, with a declaration of a famine in Gaza City and the expansion of Israeli military operations. The PM has stated that Hamas should have no part in any future governance in Palestine and has cited a series of conditions Israel would need to meet to avoid the British move, including a lasting ceasefire and aid deliveries.
The Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, has expressed his view that recognising Palestine 'won't help one Palestinian, one hostage.' This sentiment is shared by the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, who called the move a 'historic error' and 'will only impede the cause of peace.'
France, Australia, and Canada also plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN gathering. High-level meetings at the UN summit involving world leaders begin next week, and the UK recognition of a Palestinian state could spark a diplomatic row with Israel and the US.
The British government has set conditions for recognizing a Palestinian state, supporting a two-state solution while opposing any recognition as a reward for Hamas, emphasising peace and opposition to terrorism. The Prime Minister has emphasised the need for a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region and has urged all parties to work towards a resolution.
As the UN General Assembly meeting approaches, the UK government's decision to recognise a Palestinian state remains a contentious issue, with significant implications for UK-Israeli relations and the broader Middle East peace process.
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