LONDON (Chatnewstv.com) — Britain formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the decision is intended to revive prospects for peace and a two-state solution despite escalating violence in the Middle East.
“To revive the hope of peace and a Two State Solution, I state clearly, as Prime Minister of this great country, that the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” Starmer said in a speech delivered from Downing Street.
“Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian State too — a pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.”
Starmer said the recognition was not a reward for Hamas, which he described as “a brutal terror organisation,” but a step to preserve the possibility of two states living side by side.
“This solution is not a reward for Hamas because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security,” he said.
The prime minister condemned Hamas for holding hostages nearly two years after its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, calling their release “immediate and essential.” He also pledged new sanctions against Hamas figures in the coming weeks.
At the same time, Starmer sharply criticized Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, describing the bombardment, starvation and devastation as “utterly intolerable.” He said tens of thousands had been killed, including civilians trying to collect food and water.
“We call again on the Israeli government to lift the unacceptable restrictions at the border, stop these cruel tactics and let the aid surge in,” Starmer said.
He confirmed that Britain had evacuated the first group of sick and injured Palestinian children to receive treatment in the U.K. and pledged further humanitarian assistance.
Starmer warned that continued fighting, Israeli settlement expansion and Hamas’ actions were eroding hope for peace. He said Britain is working with regional and international partners on a “Framework for Peace” that would reform the Palestinian Authority, establish a cease-fire in Gaza and lead to negotiations on a two-state settlement.
“Ordinary people — Israeli and Palestinian — deserve to live in peace, free from violence and suffering,” Starmer said. “The release of the hostages, an end to the violence, an end to the suffering, and a shift back towards a Two State Solution are the best hope for peace and security for all sides.”
