Starmer: The UK will recognize the State of Palestine unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. Israel: This is "rewarding" Hamas

UK Prime Minister Starmer stated that the UK will recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes "substantial measures to end the shocking situation" in Gaza. On the same day, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the UK government's shift in position is actually "rewarding" Hamas and "undermines the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and promote the release of hostages."

It is reported that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also issued a statement later on Tuesday, saying that if the UK recognizes the State of Palestine, it would threaten the UK itself and is destined to fail.

According to AFP, citing a statement released by the UK Prime Minister's Office on the 29th, if Israel does not take substantial action to end the horrifying situation in Gaza and commit to achieving long-term sustainable peace, the UK will recognize the State of Palestine before the opening of the UN General Assembly in September.

Prime Minister Starmer pointed out that Israel must also meet other conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to achieving long-term sustainable peace to promote the two-state solution, and allowing the UN to resume aid, otherwise the UK will take action at the UN General Assembly in September.

The UK government previously stated that the recognition of the State of Palestine should be done at the time when it can have the greatest impact as part of the peace process.

However, Prime Minister Starmer is facing increasing pressure - including from within his own party MPs - to act more quickly.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that the UK's change in position stems from domestic political pressure and previous similar statements by French President Macron.

Macron announced on July 24 that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839087534374920/

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