The Daily Star Ireland
A growing bloc of UK lawmakers—221 MPs across party lines—has formally urged the British government to acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. This push mirrors a recent declaration from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged that France would support Palestinian recognition at the September session.
Labour MP Sarah Champion, who led the initiative behind the open letter, described the gesture as a critical symbolic act. “It would send a powerful message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people,” she said.
However, Prime Minister Starmer has resisted immediate action. While he reiterated his unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, he emphasized that recognition must be embedded within a broader, durable peace plan. “It has to form part of a wider strategy that delivers lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis,” Starmer said, highlighting the need for diplomatic coordination among Western allies similar to that seen in support for Ukraine.
Differing European Responses on Palestinian Recognition
While France prepares to formally recognise Palestine at the UN, other European powers have taken a more restrained approach.
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni expressed her support for a future Palestinian state, but warned that recognising one in the absence of real-world structures could give the illusion of progress where none exists. “If something that doesn’t exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn’t,” Meloni said during a press briefing.
Echoing her position, Italy’s foreign minister noted that diplomatic recognition should occur only when mutual recognition between Israel and a Palestinian authority can be achieved. Meanwhile, Germany reaffirmed that it had no short-term plans to follow France’s lead, instead advocating for renewed movement toward a genuine two-state resolution.
The United States has also distanced itself from France’s move. Former President Donald Trump, speaking during a visit to Scotland, dismissed Macron’s announcement, saying it was “not going to change anything.”
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Triggers Urgent Response
Amid the broader diplomatic wrangling, the humanitarian disaster in Gaza continues to unfold. Starmer welcomed Israel’s decision to begin airdropping aid into the besieged region, a move he described as “long overdue.” While commending the effort, he stressed the UK’s determination to support additional relief through this method.
The UK is currently coordinating with Jordan to load humanitarian supplies onto aircraft, and Starmer also confirmed plans to transfer Gaza’s most critically ill children to Britain for specialist medical treatment.
In a direct video message to the public, Starmer called for an immediate ceasefire, citing the harrowing images of starvation and trauma emerging from Gaza. “The British people are horrified by what they are seeing,” he said. “Denying aid to starving children and babies is indefensible—just as the ongoing captivity of hostages is inexcusable.”
Ceasefire Talks Stall Amid Accusations
Efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have faltered. A scheduled three-way call between Starmer, Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was postponed until the weekend, but the trio issued a joint statement urging Israel to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza.
Meanwhile, US-led negotiations in Qatar were abruptly halted on Thursday. Washington’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, blamed Hamas for lacking the will to agree to a truce, accusing the group of stalling progress.
The deal under consideration reportedly includes a proposed 60-day ceasefire, during which aid efforts would escalate and talks would continue to solidify a longer-term peace agreement.
