UK Prime Minister’s Palestinian Recognition Stirs Israeli Opposition

The UK is planning to officially recognize Palestine as a state. Keir Starmer is expected to announce this decision. In July, the UK government had stated that they would recognize Palestine if the Israeli actions in Gaza, which many reports have called massacres, were not halted by September. Starmer had previously requested that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government work towards ending the dire conditions in Gaza, by pursuing a ceasefire, ensuring lasting peace, allowing UN aid deliveries, and avoiding the annexation of the West Bank. The Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected his comments, and Netanyahu criticized Starmer. If the UK proceeds, it will join a large number of UN member states in recognizing Palestine before the UN General Assembly in New York. While this move is supported by human rights organizations and Palestinian factions, it is opposed by right-wing groups and the Israeli government. The UK had warned Israel to implement a ceasefire, but this has not happened and conditions in Gaza have worsened. The UN has declared a famine in Gaza, and Israel has expanded its military actions. Israel’s ground operations in Gaza City have been widely condemned. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has described the situation as reckless and horrific. France, Australia, and Canada are considering recognizing Palestine as well. The Muslim Council of Britain supports the Prime Minister’s move, but also requests for tangible actions to follow the recognition.