Israel has condemned UK’s move to recognize Palestinian statehood unless Israel halts its military operations in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of enabling Hamas and creating a jihadist state. The UK government, under pressure from its Parliament, announced it would pursue recognition of Palestine from September if Israel ensures humanitarian aid and halts West Bank annexation plans. Both sides maintain their positions despite the escalating tensions.
UK’s Policy Shift and Israeli Response
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the policy shift on Tuesday under pressure from members of parliament, stating that London would pursue recognition of a Palestinian state from September unless Israel enables sufficient humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and halts any plans for further annexation in the West Bank. Netanyahu denounced the move, accusing Starmer of emboldening the militant group Hamas and paving the way for a jihadist state that would endanger both Israel and the UK. Netanyahu said on X, “Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will not happen.”
Commitment to Two-State Solution
In its announcement, the Starmer government emphasized that it envisions no role for Hamas in Gaza’s future governance and rejected claims that the policy rewards terrorism. London reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, describing it as a vision of a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have consistently opposed a two-state solution, and the Israeli government has continued to expand Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, maintaining control over a system described as apartheid by human rights organizations.
Escalation of Conflict
The conflict escalated in October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly raid from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of dozens of hostages. Israel responded with a sweeping military operation, which, according to local Gaza officials, has killed over 59,000 people in the enclave. On Monday, the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem said Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide, based on an analysis of government statements and the effects of the ongoing campaign.
International Reactions and Recognition
Most nations in the world, including China, India, and Russia, already recognize Palestinian statehood. France became the first G7 member to announce its intention to follow suit last week. Other countries considering the move include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Portugal. These developments highlight the growing international support for Palestinian statehood and the deepening diplomatic divide over the Israel-Palestine conflict.