CCTV News reported that the UK Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on July 29 local time, stating that if Israel does not take substantial actions to end the horrific situation in the Gaza Strip 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, to maintain the feasibility of the "two-state solution".

Screen capture of the statement released on the UK Prime Minister's Office website

On the same day, UK Prime Minister Starmer stated that he announced the plan now because of the "intolerable situation" in Gaza and concerns about the decreasing feasibility of the "two-state solution".

Responding to this, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said: "Reject the statement by the UK Prime Minister." Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "The 'holy war state' at Israel's border today will threaten Britain tomorrow."

US President Trump stated that he had not discussed the issue with Starmer, and the US "has no opinion" on it, but is not planning to follow the UK's example. He said, "If we did that, we would be rewarding Hamas, and I think they should not be rewarded."

UK: Demands Israel to immediately cease hostilities and indicates it will not annex the West Bank

On July 29 local time, the UK Prime Minister's Office released a statement regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recognition of the State of Palestine.

It stated, "Our top concern is the hostages and the people of Gaza. We must do everything possible to end the current suffering and change the situation on the ground."

The statement pointed out that the UK demands an immediate ceasefire, an end to the killing, allowing the UN to continue delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza to prevent famine, and the immediate release of the hostages.

The statement said the UK is determined to maintain the feasibility of the "two-state solution", so it will recognize the State of Palestine in September. "Unless the Israeli government takes substantial actions to end the horrifying situation in the Gaza Strip and commits to achieving long-term sustainable peace, including allowing the UN to quickly resume humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip to end the famine, agreeing to a ceasefire, and indicating that it will not annex the Palestinian territories in the West Bank."

The statement pointed out that the UK is willing to work with international partners to develop a credible peace plan, establishing transitional governance and security mechanisms in the Gaza Strip in the next phase after the ceasefire, and ensuring sufficient and timely humanitarian aid. "This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the withdrawal of the Hamas leadership from Gaza."

The statement also expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense.

UK Foreign Secretary Lambo spoke at a high-level international meeting held at the United Nations on resolving the Palestinian issue and implementing the "two-state solution," where he stated that there is no better solution for the region than the "two-state solution."

"Israelis live within their recognized secure borders, coexisting peacefully with their neighbors free from terrorist threats; Palestinians live with dignity and security in their own country, free from occupation."

According to reports, on July 29 local time, during a press conference after an emergency cabinet meeting, Starmer pointed out that he announced the plan now because of the "intolerable situation" in Gaza and concerns about the decreasing feasibility of the "two-state solution."

He told reporters that the UK's goal is "a safe and stable Israel and a sovereign and independent Palestinian state," a goal that "faces unprecedented pressure."

Starmer added that his "main goal" is to improve the situation in Gaza, including ensuring the entry of aid supplies.

When outlining the actions the UK government hopes Israel will take, Starmer also said that Israel should clearly indicate it will not annex the Palestinian territories in the West Bank.

At the same time, Starmer said that Hamas must immediately release all hostages, sign a ceasefire agreement, disarm, and agree not to play any role in the Gaza government.

Trump says "no opinion," but believes doing so is rewarding Hamas

In response to the UK's statement, on July 29 local time, Netanyahu posted on social media: "The 'holy war state' at Israel's border today will threaten Britain tomorrow."

He claimed, "Accommodating the 'holy war' terrorists always fails. You will also fail."

On the same day, the Israeli Foreign Ministry responded on social media, saying, "Israel rejects the statement by the UK Prime Minister." The UK government's move was "rewarding Hamas, undermining efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and establish a framework for releasing hostages."

On July 28, Trump and Starmer met in Scotland, exchanging views on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other issues.

According to reports, on July 29 local time, Trump said on Air Force One, "I did not discuss this issue with Starmer, and we have no opinion on it."

But Trump also said, "If you do that, you are rewarding Hamas, but I think they should not be rewarded. So, honestly, I am not in that camp."

On July 29 local time, Trump boarded Air Force One.

French President Macron stated on July 24 that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine, and he plans to officially announce the decision during the UN General Assembly in September.

Trump said on the 29th, "Essentially, Starmer and Macron are saying the same thing, which is fine, but it doesn't mean I have to agree."

Previously, when responding to Macron's decision to recognize the State of Palestine, Trump called the decision "irrelevant" and "without weight." While US Secretary of State Rubio posted on social media, stating that the US "strongly opposes" it, saying "this reckless decision will only serve Hamas's propaganda and hinder peace, it is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th."

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