The United Kingdom on Wednesday rejected criticism claiming it was rewarding the militant group Hamas by announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state—unless Israel takes steps to improve conditions in Gaza and work toward peace.
اضافة اعلان
Shocking images of emaciated children in Gaza have gripped the world in recent days, and on Tuesday, a hunger monitor warned that the worst-case scenario—famine—is becoming a reality, calling for urgent action to prevent mass deaths.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ultimatum, giving Israel until September to act, drew immediate rebuke from his counterpart in Jerusalem, who said such a move would effectively reward Hamas in the aftermath of the October 2023 events.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented, stating he doesn’t believe Hamas should be “rewarded” by granting Palestinian statehood recognition.
UK Response: “This Is Not About Hamas”
Responding to the criticism, British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander—tasked by the government with responding to media queries on Wednesday—said that this portrayal misrepresents the UK’s intentions.
Speaking to LBC Radio, she said:
“This is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas is a vile terrorist organization that has committed horrific atrocities. This is about the Palestinian people—about the children we see starving to death in Gaza.”
She added:
“We must increase pressure on the Israeli government to lift restrictions and allow aid to enter Gaza.”
France Taking Similar Step
France also announced last week that it intends to recognize the Palestinian state in September.
Successive UK governments have stated they would recognize Palestine when it would be most effective.
In a televised speech on Tuesday, Starmer said the time has come, citing the immense suffering of Gaza’s residents and warning that the viability of a two-state solution—Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel—is under threat.
He explained that the UK would proceed with recognition during the UN General Assembly meetings in September, unless Israel takes tangible steps, including:
Allowing more aid into Gaza
Publicly renouncing the annexation of the West Bank
Committing to a long-term peace process aimed at a two-state solution
(Source: Reuters)
