The United Kingdom’s planned recognition of a Palestinian state is intended to maintain momentum for a two-state solution, British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said, while acknowledging that it will not immediately resolve the humanitarian crisis or secure the release of hostages.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the recognition at the United Nations General Assembly, following consultations with international partners and careful consideration of the UK’s moral responsibilities. Lammy emphasized that the move is primarily symbolic, aimed at keeping alive the prospect of an eventual peace settlement between Israel and Palestine.
“Any decision to recognize a Palestinian state, if that were to take place, does not make a state appear overnight,” Lammy told Sky News. He stressed that recognition is about sustaining the long-term peace process, rather than providing immediate solutions to the current crisis. Lammy outlined that a viable peace process would need to be based on the 1967 borders and include a shared capital in Jerusalem, acknowledging that these issues will take time to resolve.
Addressing the humanitarian and security concerns, Lammy said recognition would not feed children or secure the release of hostages, which remain dependent on continued humanitarian aid and ceasefire agreements. However, he argued that recognition is essential for the future of Palestinian children, and that waiting for “perfect conditions” could delay the establishment of a sovereign state indefinitely.
Palestinian head of mission in the UK, Husam Zomlot, described recognition as a step toward correcting historical injustices dating back to the British Mandate. He said it represents a foundational measure toward establishing a sovereign Palestinian state and redressing the colonial-era decisions that contributed to the displacement of Palestinians during the Nakba in 1948.
The announcement has drawn criticism from families of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks. They have urged Starmer to delay recognition, warning that it could strengthen Hamas’ negotiating position and endanger hostages. Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar remains in captivity, said the move would signal to Hamas that its use of hostages as leverage is tolerated.
Domestically, the decision has also sparked political debate. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel accused Starmer of “capitulating” to Labour backbenchers and sending a dangerous message that violence is rewarded. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the announcement as a “surrender to terrorism” and a betrayal of Israel.
BBC
