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Pressure Mounts on UK to Recognize Palestinian Statehood Ahead of International Conference
The UK Foreign Office is facing increasing calls from Labour MPs to officially recognize a Palestinian state, particularly in light of French President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to advocate for such recognition during an international conference scheduled for June at the United Nations in New York.
This conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is deemed crucial by Macron, who has articulated that it should serve as a pivotal moment for advancing Palestinian rights.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, emphasized that the UK must act in conjunction with allies such as France, indicating that collaboration is essential. She stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that failure to act could lead to a scenario where Palestine would cease to exist as a viable state.
Chris Doyle, who heads the Council on Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), echoed this sentiment, asserting that recognition should have occurred earlier and that a joint declaration by two permanent UN Security Council members, such as the UK and France, would convey a strong international message. He expressed concern that if the UK postpones this recognition, it may soon be too late to take meaningful action due to Israel’s ongoing actions in the West Bank.
Sentiment among Labour MPs is notably strong, particularly in light of recent Israeli actions that have drawn outrage, including the banning of two Labour MPs from traveling to the West Bank. CAABU commands significant support within the Labour Party, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with Israeli policies in Gaza.
The official stance of the Foreign Office holds that it will recognize a Palestinian state at a moment that maximizes influence and impact. Previous UK foreign secretary David Cameron had suggested that recognition does not need to be contingent upon the completion of a two-state solution, stating that no other state should have the power to veto this decision.
Recent comments from Macron surprised many observers, as he expressed hopes that the June conference would catalyze a collective movement among nations to recognize Palestinian statehood. His remarks to France 5 reiterated a commitment to this cause, marking a clear push for international support.
Macron emphasized the need for a cooperative dynamic among nations, including a call for Gulf states to recognize Israel in return for the acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood. The Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has made statements linking Saudi recognition of Israel to firm commitments towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
While some British analysts express skepticism about how far Macron may be willing to confront Israel, strong personal ties between the UK’s Labour leader, Keir Starmer, and Macron could further pressure the Foreign Office to align with France’s initiative, especially within the context of a broader peace initiative involving European and Gulf cooperation.
Although France had previously opted not to join Spain, Ireland, and Norway in recognizing Palestine after a UN General Assembly vote last year, the landscape is shifting. Currently, 148 out of 193 UN member states have officially recognized Palestinian statehood, yet no Western G20 nation, including Canada, Italy, or Germany, has taken that step.
Interestingly, recent actions by Israel’s Knesset to dismiss a two-state solution contrast with comments from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who sees a potential route to such a solution, provided that Hamas is excluded from any governing coalition.
An overt recognition of Palestine by European nations could elevate tensions with both the US and Israel. However, proponents in France argue that a partnership with Gulf nations might reshape US policy toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized any unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood as a misguided incentive for terrorism. In response to the backlash against his remarks, Macron sought to clarify France’s stance, underscoring support for both Israeli security and Palestinian rights, contingent upon certain conditions being met.
Macron articulated that achieving peace would require the release of all hostages, a sustainable ceasefire, and renewed humanitarian efforts, alongside a commitment to a viable long-term political solution. He reiterated France’s dedication to recognizing the legal right of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peaceful, secure states.
The upcoming two-state solution conference in June is viewed as a potential turning point, as Macron stated the necessity for delicate but decisive action towards achieving peace.
Amidst these diplomatic maneuvers, recent actions by the US Senate suggest a level of complicity with Israeli policies, as evidenced by the confirmation of Mike Huckabee as US ambassador to Israel, known for his controversial views on the West Bank.
Source
www.theguardian.com