Over 125 UK lawmakers have signed a cross-party letter urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to recognize Palestinian statehood.
The letter, organized by Labour MP Sarah Champion, emphasizes the UK’s historic responsibility towards Palestine, given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration.
The lawmakers argue that recognizing Palestine would give substance to the UK’s long-standing support for a two-state solution. “British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine,” the letter reads.
This development comes after France announced its decision to recognize Palestinian statehood, with President Emmanuel Macron stating that the formal announcement will be made at the UN General Assembly in September. “Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron said.
Macron emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. He also called for the demilitarization of Hamas and the rebuilding of Gaza. “The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population,” he wrote.
However, Israel and the US have strongly condemned France’s decision. US Ambassador to France Charles Kushner described the move as a “gift to Hamas and a blow to peace.” “France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state is a gift to Hamas and a blow to peace. I’ve just arrived, and I’m deeply disappointed. @EmmanuelMacron – I hope to change your mind before September. Free the hostages. Focus on a ceasefire. This is the path to lasting peace,” Kushner posted on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also shared Israel’s position, saying, “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.”
The decision by France brings the number of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood to at least 146. The US, a long-time ally of Israel, has notably withheld such recognition.
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