**UK’s Shift on Palestinian Statehood: What it Means**
The UK government has announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian State in September, sparking controversy and debate. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has been vocal about his support for this move, despite criticism from various quarters.
At the center of the storm is Emily Damari, whose family was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. She has accused Sir Keir of a “moral failure” for not taking a stronger stance against terrorism and prolonging conflict. Her comments echo those of 10 British or British-related hostages who are currently being held in Gaza.
The UK’s recognition of a Palestinian State would depend on Israel meeting certain conditions, including a ceasefire agreement, announcing that it will not annex the West Bank, and taking “substantive” steps to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. However, government sources have pointed out that the statement made by Sir Keir also contains another element: Hamas must immediately free all hostages and sign a ceasefire.
This suggests that the UK’s decision to recognize Israel will be based on not only Israel’s actions but also those of Hamas. This position has not been consistently articulated, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stating that “the ball was in their court” when asked if recognition would still take place if Hamas were to control Gaza in September.
**A Shift in Stance**
The UK’s decision marks a significant shift from its previous diplomatic posture. Sir Keir had previously stated that he wanted to recognize a Palestinian State, but only if it made the greatest contribution to bringing about the two-state solution. This change of heart has been influenced by politics, with over half of Labour MPs signing a letter urging recognition and cabinet ministers making their support known.
**The Politics Behind the Decision**
The decision to recognize a Palestinian State in September is seen as a move to pre-empt opposition pressure. With Labour MPs returning from summer vacation soon, the government was at risk of being forced into a vote that would have required them to back down. By taking this step, Sir Keir has forestalled potential opposition and maintained his leadership’s grip on the party.
However, not everyone is happy with this move. Some argue that the right to statehood is an inalienable one for Palestinians, and should not be conditional upon Israel’s actions. Others believe that the UK should not consider statehood until Hamas releases the hostages.
**A Fragile Peace**
The fragile political peace surrounding this decision is based on the universal assumption that all of this is just a prelude to the inevitable recognition of a Palestinian State in September. However, as Emily Damari’s criticism shows, there are still many voices being raised against this move.
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