World

Gaza latest: Starmer tells Israel UK will recognise Palestinian state unless it agrees to ceasefire

Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK will recognise Palestine before the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel ends the “appalling situation” in Gaza.

In a move which has prompted widespread criticism from pro-Israelis and pro-Palestinians alike, the prime minister said Israel must agree to a ceasefire and allow unhindered aid into Gaza if it wishes to prevent recognition.

Israel must also “commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution”, Sir Keir said following an emergency virtual cabinet meeting.

The Israeli foreign ministry described the move as a “reward for Hamas” which “harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza”.

Meanwhile, British organisations and MPs have blasted the use of Palestinian statehood as a “bargaining chip”. West Bank resident Mohammad Hesham Hureini told The Independent that recognition is a “basic right, not something we have to earn by waiting for Israel to stop its violence”.

It comes after a UN-backed food security body said the “worst-case scenario of famine” was playing out in the besieged enclave.

Donald Trump said he was working with Israel to “get things straightened out”, adding that only “cold-hearted” people would not be affected by pictures coming from Gaza.

The war on Gaza has killed over 60,000 people so far, according to local officials.

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