Starmer says UK plans to recognise Palestinian state unless Israel meets conditions

London (Web Desk): In a significant development following an emergency cabinet meeting, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the United Kingdom would recognize Palestine as a sovereign state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

Addressing a news conference in London,, Sir Keir emphasized that "the time has come" for the UK to formally recognize Palestine. He pointed out that this recognition would have "the most significant impact" at this juncture in the conflict. The statement underscores the UK government's shift towards a more assertive stance on Palestinian statehood, as diplomatic pressure grows for a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In his briefing, Sir Keir Starmer also announced that the UK would begin humanitarian assistance to Gaza immediately. The British government will start the process of delivering aid by air, with the aim to ensure that much-needed supplies reach the region amidst the ongoing violence.

"I want to see 500 aid trucks entering Gaza daily," said Starmer, underlining the urgency of humanitarian intervention in light of the dire situation on the ground.In a notable diplomatic move, Sir Keir revealed that the UK government is considering recognizing Palestine before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting scheduled for September 2023. The Prime Minister indicated that formal recognition could be an important step before the UNGA, where international support for Palestinian statehood is expected to be a key issue.

This announcement is seen as a direct response to growing international calls for the UK to take a stronger position in support of Palestinian statehood, especially as the conflict continues to escalate.The UK Prime Minister’s statements were later confirmed by a spokesperson from Downing Street, who reiterated that the government’s position is aligned with increasing international efforts to promote a peaceful resolution and facilitate the recognition of Palestine. The spokesperson noted that the timeline for recognition is being carefully considered, with ongoing discussions on how best to implement the measures.