UK to recognise Palestine as a state in September

[SomeWomanSomewhere]

"Unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation".

Source: Reuters

It is largely symbolic but it does mean the tide is turning!

Also: interesting to see that they frame it as largely contingent on Israeli behaviour

Yes but only if Israel fails to meet certain conditions. Tbh it's quite a bizarre stance by the UK to resort to threats

"Unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, reaches a ceasefire, makes clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a Two State Solution," the UK prime minister goes on.

He reiterates that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and that the UK's demands on Hamas remain - that they must release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cdrkj810plvt?post=asset%3A38fbf7e7-f8da-407e-b6a3-2a1c59914cfb#post

It is quite bizarre, yes. They seem to be thinking of it as leverage opposite Israel.

Just to understand this it’s being used as a lever to get change?

So if they do certain things it doesn’t happen?

Seems so - some more via Haaretz newsticker:

Starmer wanted to ensure the move "plays a part in changing conditions on the ground in Gaza," his office said on Tuesday.

The U.K. would reconsider if Israel "takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long-term sustainable peace, including through allowing the UN to restart without delay the supply of humanitarian support to the people of Gaza to end starvation, agreeing to a cease-fire, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank."
[...]
The British statement noted that "recognition by itself will not change the situation on the ground ... a cease-fire will not last without urgent work on governance and security in Gaza, and the prospect of a long-term political settlement."

If they don’t do what is asked Palestine is a state but Hamas are still present in that scenario?

Seems strange, the opposite to Macron

So let me get this straight, if Israel meet the conditions UK won't recognise Palestine as a state? Is that right? Seems very odd 🤔 Although obviously the liklihood of Israel meeting those conditions is probably slim to zero

I genuinely read it as "this is now a pressure lever". But, to be honest: I have never really seen anything quite like it.

Might also be Starmer triangulating. It is something he tends to do?

Labour support terrorism. Starmer disgusts me.

I’m quite appalled by this. The Palestinians deserve to have their state recognised, no matter what, and this is long overdue. To make this ‘promise’ contingent on Israel’s actions….. I mean, how bizarre…

So let me get this straight, if Israel meet the conditions UK won't recognise Palestine as a state? Is that right? Seems very odd
It really does and also leaves it completely in Israel's control on whether they recognise Palestine as a state or not. But then part of the conditions for Israel are and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a Two State Solution," so if this happens Palestine will be recognised as a state regardless?

How did you come to that conclusion?

It states
He reiterates that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and that the UK's demands on Hamas remain - that they must release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm.

Ok so if this doesn’t happen does Palestine become a state in September if Israel don’t do what is asked?

No I think that is separate to the conditions for Israel because obviously israrel have no control over what Hamas do but tbh it's as clear as mud and just shows starmer tying himself up in knots to try to be seen to do something without upsetting Israeli government too much.

Personally I rather suspect he fears the wrath of Washington but, yes, definitely triagulating like a math olympian.

Ok thanks. Bit of a gamble if Hamas are still around and he needs to declare a state.

ETA maybe he’s thinking US will sort it and be off the hook.

Waiting for the rest of the Palestinians to die, or completing contracts?

Netanyahu’s government starves children. They disgust me.

I'd imagine Hamas not standing down and handing back the hostages would be a get out clause for starmer regardless of what Israel do

75% of the UN already recognise Palestine as a state. So I doubt that Israel's government will give any greater value in more countries doing so. The only thing that will make a real difference is Israel recognising Palestine as a state - and I cannot see that happening because I cannot see Hamas stepping away, no matter what the incentive.

I agree with this.

Are they calling Netanyahu's bluff? Tbh he isn't going to be happy about this at all.

If Israel wipe out the majority of the Palestinian population before September (as they seem intent on doing) recognising Palestine as a state won’t mean much at that point….

Maths not your strong point?

Observing and understanding human behaviour not yours? Israel have no intention of limiting this genocide to Gaza.

I mean the Palestinian population is about 5 million...do you really think it's likely the majority of them will be killed in the next four weeks?