UK Politician Calls for Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Gaza Conflict
Senior Labour MP Urges Immediate Ceasefire and Two-State Solution
A leading figure in the UK's opposition Labour Party has called on the British government to recognize an independent Palestinian state, emphasizing the urgent need for peace following the recent escalation of violence in Gaza.
Emily Thornberry, former Shadow Attorney General and Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, made these statements during a BBC interview, highlighting the critical role that the UK and France have historically played in Middle Eastern politics.Thornberry argued that recognizing a Palestinian state would serve as an important signal for Britain's commitment to being an active and impartial broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This call comes amid French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK, during which he reaffirmed that a two-state solution is essential for resolving the Palestine issue.
The UK is expected to participate in an international conference on the matter co-hosted by France at the United Nations.Thornberry tied her demand for recognition with the historical significance of the Sykes-Picot Agreement, pointing out that Britain and France were the signatories of this 1916 treaty that initially divided the Middle East.
This historical connection underscores her belief in the necessity for these two countries to re-engage in efforts to find a resolution.The current conflict in Gaza has been ongoing since October 2023, with devastating consequences, including reports of over 60,000 fatalities among the population.
Thornberry stressed that peace is only achievable through political negotiations and diplomacy, emphasizing that the loss of life must cease for constructive dialogue to begin.While the UK Foreign Office has not specified a timeline or intention regarding the recognition of Palestine, Thornberry remains optimistic, stating it as a matter of when rather than if.
She also emphasized the importance of leveraging the UK's relationship with the United States to push forward discussions on Palestinian statehood and to clearly communicate that Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank is considered unlawful.Thornberry suggested that the UK should demonstrate its commitment to peace efforts in the same manner as it has done for Ukraine, urging US President Donald Trump to utilize his influence to achieve what previous presidents could not.
However, she recognized that ultimate success hinges on Israel's willingness to engage constructively in negotiations rather than continuing with a stance of outright rejection.
Emily Thornberry, former Shadow Attorney General and Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, made these statements during a BBC interview, highlighting the critical role that the UK and France have historically played in Middle Eastern politics.Thornberry argued that recognizing a Palestinian state would serve as an important signal for Britain's commitment to being an active and impartial broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This call comes amid French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK, during which he reaffirmed that a two-state solution is essential for resolving the Palestine issue.
The UK is expected to participate in an international conference on the matter co-hosted by France at the United Nations.Thornberry tied her demand for recognition with the historical significance of the Sykes-Picot Agreement, pointing out that Britain and France were the signatories of this 1916 treaty that initially divided the Middle East.
This historical connection underscores her belief in the necessity for these two countries to re-engage in efforts to find a resolution.The current conflict in Gaza has been ongoing since October 2023, with devastating consequences, including reports of over 60,000 fatalities among the population.
Thornberry stressed that peace is only achievable through political negotiations and diplomacy, emphasizing that the loss of life must cease for constructive dialogue to begin.While the UK Foreign Office has not specified a timeline or intention regarding the recognition of Palestine, Thornberry remains optimistic, stating it as a matter of when rather than if.
She also emphasized the importance of leveraging the UK's relationship with the United States to push forward discussions on Palestinian statehood and to clearly communicate that Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank is considered unlawful.Thornberry suggested that the UK should demonstrate its commitment to peace efforts in the same manner as it has done for Ukraine, urging US President Donald Trump to utilize his influence to achieve what previous presidents could not.
However, she recognized that ultimate success hinges on Israel's willingness to engage constructively in negotiations rather than continuing with a stance of outright rejection.
