the symbolism is immense, notably given the decision originates from London. The United Kingdom, frequently enough cited as historically responsible for fostering lobbying efforts in the Middle East at the start of the 20th century, has formally recognized the Palestinian State, joining a growing wave of nations taking the same step. Canada and Australia officially recognized the Palestinian State this Sunday, with Portugal planning to follow suit today.
Keir Starmer is not known for impulsive decisions. His choices, and any subsequent revisions, are executed with the calculated precision of a lawyer and prosecutor, rather than a politician. He announced in late July his intention to recognize the state of Palestine if Israel failed to immediately meet certain conditions: ending the famine in Gaza, establishing a ceasefire in the region, and committing to a long-term two-state solution. Starmer has concluded that none of these conditions have been met, and announced this Sunday a decision of notable geopolitical weight.
Downing Street released a video statement from the Prime Minister,in which Starmer defended the “inalienable right of the Palestinian people” to a state,and the “moral responsibility” of the international community. This comes against the backdrop of the escalating offensive by Benjamin Netanyahu’s goverment and its disregard for calls for a pause in the conflict.
“the growing and relentless bombing of Gaza, the recent offensive, famine and devastation are absolutely intolerable. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, including thousands who only tried to obtain water and food. This death and destruction horrifies us all and must stop,” Starmer demanded.
“Given the growing horror that we witness in the Middle East, today, to revive the hope of peace and the solution of two states, I clearly say, as prime minister of this great country, that the united Kingdom formally recognizes the state of Palestine,” proclaimed the British prime minister.
The recognition of Palestine is now irreversible, aligning with moves from leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron, who will officially announce recognition next week during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Despite the calculated nature of Starmer’s decision, the prime minister has quelled dissent from more critical sectors within his own party, who were wary of an proclamation tied to conditions.
The prime minister emphasized in his speech that the situation in Gaza “has worsened significantly.”
International Recognition of Palestinian State Gains Momentum as Israel Considers West Bank Annexation
Recent days have seen a surge in international recognition of a Palestinian state,even as Israel moves toward a controversial decision regarding the West Bank. The developments come amidst ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Israeli Annexation Plans
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to make a decision in the coming days regarding the annexation of the West Bank, following a visit with former President Trump in Washington.This move has strong support within his governing coalition,particularly from right-wing and ultra-nationalist factions. Bezalel Smotrich,Israel’s Finance Minister,has explicitly called for annexation to “definitively eliminate the foolish idea of a Palestinian state,” proposing that Israel retain 82% of the West Bank,encompassing most of the territory while minimizing the Palestinian population within those borders. Notably,all Jewish parties in the Israeli Parliament voted against the creation of a Palestinian state last year. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-faces-pressure-over-west-bank-annexation-plans-2024-05-26/
Palestinian Authority Response
Surprisingly, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the prospect of increased international recognition as “an critically important and necessary step for a fair and lasting peace.” https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-president-abbbas-welcomes-recognition-palestine-by-canada-australia-2024-05-26/
Wave of Recognition
Canada,Australia,and Portugal have officially recognized the State of Palestine.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that recognizing Palestine “empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas,” emphasizing that this recognition does not legitimize terrorism. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-recognizes-palestine-1.7210999 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese linked the recognition to efforts to revive a two-state solution, contingent on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Australia’s statement also explicitly stated that Hamas should not have a role in a future Palestine. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/may/26/australia-recognises-palestine-in-move-towards-two-state-solution
Portugal is also poised to formally recognize Palestine, with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa describing the decision as a message of “moderation” supporting a two-state solution and opposing “radicalism.” The Portuguese government has been in close consultation with the President’s office throughout the process. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/portugal-set-recognise-palestine-president-says-2024-05-26/
These recent recognitions signal a growing international momentum towards a two-state solution, even as the path forward remains deeply challenging.