UK formally recognises State of Palestine in historic move
In a significant shift in foreign policy, the United Kingdom has formally recognized the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday.
The move, which comes alongside similar declarations from Canada and Australia, is intended to "revive the hope of peace and a Two State Solution" in the Middle East.
In a televised statement, the Prime Minister acknowledged the "growing horror in the Middle East" and the fading hope for a two-state solution.
The PM stated, "Today, 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."
The Prime Minister emphasized that this recognition is not a reward for Hamas, a group the UK considers a brutal terror organization.
The PM was clear that a two-state solution is the "exact opposite of their hateful vision" and that Hamas can have "no future, no role in government, no role in security" in a future Palestinian state.
The UK's decision follows a pledge made in July that recognition would proceed if Israel failed to meet a series of conditions, including a ceasefire in Gaza and a commitment to long-term negotiations.
The announcement comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, where the issue of Palestinian sovereignty is expected to be a key focus.
While the move has been welcomed by many, it has also drawn criticism.
The Israeli government has reportedly called the recognition "nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas." The Prime Minister's announcement also highlights the deep division the conflict has created within the UK.
The UK's decision joins more than 150 other countries in recognizing a Palestinian state.
The Prime Minister's speech reiterated the UK's commitment to a future with a "safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian State."
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