London has stated it will acknowledge a Palestinian state, contingent on aid reaching Gaza and a ceasefire by September.
Following the British government’s statement that it would recognize Palestinian statehood if Israel doesn’t ease its military actions in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the UK of “appeasement towards jihadist terrorists.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this policy shift on Tuesday, facing pressure from members of parliament. He stated that London would pursue recognition of a Palestinian state from September unless Israel permits sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza and ceases further annexation plans in the West Bank.
Netanyahu criticized the decision, asserting that Starmer is encouraging Hamas and paving the way for a “jihadist state” that would threaten both Israel and the UK.
”Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails,” Netanyahu stated on X. “It will not happen.”
The Starmer government, in its announcement, stressed that it does not envision Hamas having any role in Gaza’s future governance and refuted claims that the policy rewards terrorism. London reaffirmed its dedication to a two-state solution, describing it as a vision of “a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”
Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have consistently opposed a two-state solution. The Israeli government has continued expanding Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and maintains control over a system that human rights organizations have labeled as apartheid.
The conflict intensified in October 2023 when Hamas launched a deadly raid from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of numerous hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military operation that, according to local Gaza officials, has killed over 59,000 people in the enclave.
On Monday, the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem stated that Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute genocide, based on an analysis of government statements and the effects of the ongoing campaign.
Most nations globally, including China, India, and Russia, already recognize Palestinian statehood. France was the first G7 member to announce its intention to do the same last week. Other countries considering such a move include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Portugal.
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