UK PM Starmer links Palestinian state to broader peace plan

A day after France’s announcement, British PM Keir Starmer states recognizing a Palestinian state is crucial for lasting Israeli-Palestinian security, but must be part of a wider peace plan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday that recognition of a Palestinian state must be part of a wider plan that would ensure lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinian Arabs. “The appalling scenes in Gaza are unrelenting. The continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel’s disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible,” Starmer said in a statement.

“Alongside our closest allies, I am working on a pathway to peace in the region, focused on the practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of those that are suffering in this warm,” he continued, adding, “That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace.”

“Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. This is the way to ensure it is a tool of maximum utility to improve the lives of those who are suffering - which of course, will always be our ultimate goal,” concluded Starmer. (Ed note: France was first, now comes England.)  (Read More)