Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, is expected to announce the United Kingdom’s recognition of a Palestinian state in a statement scheduled for Sunday afternoon. This development follows a previous indication from the prime minister in July that the UK’s position could shift, contingent on conditions such as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a commitment to a long-term peace process leading to a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously characterized recognition of a Palestinian state as “rewards terror,” and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and a lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict have reportedly faltered. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, while during a recent state visit to the UK, US President Donald Trump also voiced disagreement with the recognition.
The two-state solution envisions the creation of a Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Currently, Israel occupies both the West Bank and Gaza, resulting in the Palestinian Authority not exercising full control over these territories or their populations. Recognition of a Palestinian state has long been a policy advocated by many within the Labour Party.
Source: www.bbc.com