The United Kingdom is expected to officially recognise a Palestinian state later today, ahead of significant United Nations discussions where multiple countries are anticipated to follow suit in a bid to pressure Israel over its actions in Gaza, reports RTE.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy told the BBC that Prime Minister Keir Starmer “will set out the position later on today,” though he stopped short of confirming whether full diplomatic recognition would be granted.
Portugal’s foreign ministry also confirmed in a statement that Lisbon “will recognise the State of Palestine” and that “the official declaration of recognition will be made on Sunday, September 21”, reports RTE.
Although the move is mostly symbolic, the UK would become the first member of the G7 to take such a step, with France and several other countries expected to announce similar measures at the UN General Assembly next week.
This marks a turning point in the global stance on Palestinian statehood, with the world’s leading western nations having long held off on recognition, insisting it should only come as part of a peace agreement that includes a two-state solution with Israel.
However, increasing numbers of traditional allies have begun shifting their positions as Israel’s military operation in Gaza continues to escalate, following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on 7 October 2023, reports RTE.
The ongoing siege has caused massive destruction in Gaza, widespread casualties, and severe shortages of food, fuelling a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
Leaders from around the globe will attend a critical UN General Assembly debate in New York this week, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict expected to dominate proceedings.
Mr Lammy acknowledged during a UN address in July that “Britain bears a special burden of responsibility to support the two-state solution”, reports RTE.
Over a century ago, Britain played a foundational role in the establishment of Israel through the Balfour Declaration of 1917.
In July, Mr Starmer said that his Labour-led government would move towards recognising a Palestinian state unless Israel made “substantive” efforts, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
The major announcement is expected to be mirrored by about ten other countries, including France, Australia, Belgium and Canada during the UN session—although all recognise that recognition alone will not bring immediate change to the region, reports RTE.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Lammy said the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, had long sought international recognition. “And I think a lot of that is wrapped up in hope,” he said.
“Will this feed children? No it won’t, that’s down to humanitarian aid. Will this free hostages? That must be down to a ceasefire,” reports RTE.
He explained the move was about striving to “hold out for” a lasting two-state peace solution.
Mr Starmer has previously said that recognition would help “make a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the planned recognition, accusing Mr Starmer of rewarding “monstrous terrorism” and appeasing “jihadist” ideology, reports RTE.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that nations “should not feel intimidated by the risk of retaliation” from Israel.
The Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people in Israel, most of them civilians, based on an AFP count of official numbers.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has killed at least 65,208 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to data from the territory’s health ministry, which the UN deems credible, reports RTE.
Portugal’s foreign ministry said on Friday that its formal recognition would also be declared today.
Lisbon had already stated in July that it planned to move ahead, citing the “extremely worrying evolution of the conflict”, the worsening humanitarian crisis, and repeated Israeli threats to annex more Palestinian territory, reports RTE.
Since then, Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Gaza, a UN-supported hunger monitoring body has declared famine in some parts of the strip, and the Israeli military has threatened to use “unprecedented force” to seize control of Gaza City.
Israel has strongly denounced these recognition moves and has reportedly threatened to annex parts of the West Bank in retaliation, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
