UK Intends to Recognize Palestinian State, Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Tell MPs
The UK remains on course to recognize a Palestinian state in September, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy expected to confirm the decision in a House of Commons statement.
Lammy is set to inform MPs that officials will conduct a formal assessment in the coming days regarding Israel's compliance with the conditions outlined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for recognizing Palestine.
According to sources, the UK is on a pathway to recognition, pending this assessment.
Starmer has stated that the UK would recognize Palestine before the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel takes specific actions to end the war in Gaza and avoids annexing parts of the West Bank.Israel's government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appears to be taking a harder stance, with considerations of annexation in the West Bank due to potential recognition by countries like the UK and France.
Israeli officials have discussed this possibility at Cabinet meetings but have not specified any details regarding potential annexation.The British Foreign Office has only a week to complete its formal assessment of Israel's position.
Some officials indicate that the timing of the UK's recognition is influenced more by diplomatic considerations, particularly in coordination with France, rather than the assessment itself.Lammy also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing it as a 'man-made catastrophe' caused by Israel's restrictions on aid entry.
He stressed the urgent need for Israel to allow sufficient aid into Gaza, noting the catastrophic conditions and the disproportionate impact on women and girls.
The UK government has announced an additional £3 million ($4.05 million) to support midwives and emergency medical supplies in Gaza but emphasizes that this aid's effectiveness relies on Israel's permission for greater humanitarian access.Lammy calls on Israel to ensure the safety of civilians, healthcare staff, and health infrastructure and to facilitate the delivery of essential medicines, equipment, and supplies into Gaza.
The situation remains under scrutiny as the UK navigates its diplomatic stance regarding Palestine and Israel.
According to sources, the UK is on a pathway to recognition, pending this assessment.
Starmer has stated that the UK would recognize Palestine before the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel takes specific actions to end the war in Gaza and avoids annexing parts of the West Bank.Israel's government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appears to be taking a harder stance, with considerations of annexation in the West Bank due to potential recognition by countries like the UK and France.
Israeli officials have discussed this possibility at Cabinet meetings but have not specified any details regarding potential annexation.The British Foreign Office has only a week to complete its formal assessment of Israel's position.
Some officials indicate that the timing of the UK's recognition is influenced more by diplomatic considerations, particularly in coordination with France, rather than the assessment itself.Lammy also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing it as a 'man-made catastrophe' caused by Israel's restrictions on aid entry.
He stressed the urgent need for Israel to allow sufficient aid into Gaza, noting the catastrophic conditions and the disproportionate impact on women and girls.
The UK government has announced an additional £3 million ($4.05 million) to support midwives and emergency medical supplies in Gaza but emphasizes that this aid's effectiveness relies on Israel's permission for greater humanitarian access.Lammy calls on Israel to ensure the safety of civilians, healthcare staff, and health infrastructure and to facilitate the delivery of essential medicines, equipment, and supplies into Gaza.
The situation remains under scrutiny as the UK navigates its diplomatic stance regarding Palestine and Israel.
