Sir Keir Starmerhas turned down requests from MPs to act immediatelyrecognise a Palestinian stateDespite internal pressure within Labour being described as “overwhelming”.
The prime minister conducted a call with other E3 leaders – French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz– on Friday to address the situation in Gaza as concerns increase about widespread hunger resulting from the Israeli restriction on food and assistance.
But it was eclipsed byFrance’s choice to endorse Palestine,increasing the pressure from within Sir Keir’s own cabinet for the UK to do the same. A total of 221 MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP, and independent members have also signed a letter urging the government to make this move.
Israelstated on Friday that it will permit foreign nations to conduct airdrops of assistance into Gaza, with Sir Keir vowing that the UK will “do everything possible to get aid in through this method”.
However, the prime minister stated he was “clear” on recognizing a Palestinian state, but mentioned he would do so when it would provide “the greatest benefit to those enduring hardship.”
In a statement released on Friday, Sir Keir stated: “Working with our nearest allies, I am striving to create a route to peace in the area, concentrating on tangible solutions that will genuinely improve the lives of those affected by this conflict.”
That route will outline the specific actions required to transform the ceasefire, which is urgently needed, into a permanent peace.
Granting recognition to a Palestinian state must be one of the actions taken. I have no doubts about this. However, it needs to be part of a broader strategy that eventually leads to a two-state resolution and long-term security for both Palestinians and Israelis. This approach will help ensure it serves as the most effective means to enhance the lives of those in need – which will always remain our main objective.
Calling the scenes in Gaza “appalling”, “unrelenting” and “unjustifiable”, he also criticized Israel’s “excessive military expansion” in the area.
TheseHis strongest words yet on the deteriorating situation were expressed.within the contested area, following his characterization of Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions as “unthinkable and unacceptable”.
In another video message published on Friday, Sir Keir clearly expressed his wish for a ceasefire in the conflict and indicated that the UK is open to assisting in delivering supplies to Gaza by air.
He stated: “The information that Israel is permitting nations to drop supplies into Gaza has arrived excessively late, but we will strive to the fullest extent to deliver assistance through this method.”
We are actively collaborating with Jordanian officials to ensure British assistance is loaded onto aircraft and delivered to Gaza.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who nearly lost her position to a pro-Gaza independent MP in last year’s general election, along with several other cabinet members, are calling for immediate acknowledgment ofPalestine as a state.
But it is being asserted that there is opposition from cabinet ministers closely associated with theLabour Friends of Israel(LFI) group, comprising Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
A senior official associated with LFI, technology minister Peter Kyle, also argued against immediately acknowledging a Palestinian state during television interviews on Friday morning.
He stated: “The schedule for peace, stability, and a negotiated resolution to the ongoing conflict, and eventually the establishment of a Palestinian state, lies in the hands of Palestine and Israel. It cannot be forced from outside.”
A senior member of the Labour party statedThe Independentthat “the pressure is extremely intense” on the prime minister to acknowledge Palestine.
The main financial supporters of Labour, the trade unions, have once again expressed their requirements via the TUC for prompt acknowledgment of Palestine and the halt of a commercial pact with Israel.
It follows that a majority of members on the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons also released a report late last night calling for the immediate acknowledgment of a Palestinian state.
Additionally, the cross-party group consisting of 221 MPs, chaired by Labour’s Sarah Champion, who leads the Commons International Development Committee, wrote a letter to the prime minister reiterating their request.
It stated: “The UK’s acknowledgment of Palestine would hold significant weight considering its part in drafting the Balfour Declaration and its previous role as the administering power in Palestine. From 1980 onwards, we have supported a two-state resolution. This kind of recognition would add real meaning to that stance and fulfill a historical obligation we owe to the people under that mandate.”
In addition, the rise ofThe political group led by Jeremy Corbyn, backed by independent MPs who advocate for Gazapresents a significant challenge for Sir Keir.
Even though the leader of the government made remarks on Friday, there remains uncertainty about whether he might proceed with acknowledgment.
It has been proposed by Labour members that Sir Keir might take this step following his meeting with Donald Trump in Scotland on Monday, to prevent the bilateral discussion with the US president from being affected by the matter.
The United States has strongly criticized France overnight for what it calls “rewarding terrorism” by acknowledging a Palestinian state.
Speaking out about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where 45 individuals have died due to starvation within four days, Sir Keir seemed to move slightly towards endorsing formal recognition in a statement released on Thursday evening.
He stated: “We are certain that statehood is an unbreakable right of the Palestinian people. A ceasefire will lead us towards the acknowledgment of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution that ensures peace and safety for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
The Independent represents a variety of principles, often in a distinctive manner. It remains separate from any political party loyalty, and forms its own opinions on current topics. The Independent has consistently aimed to encourage discussion and argument. It was established in 1986 to introduce a fresh perspective, and over the years has supported initiatives covering subjects such as the legalisation of cannabis to the Final Say Brexit campaign.
