London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlined Friday that the recognition of a Palestinian state must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. In a statement on the situation in Gaza, the UK leader said 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 war."
According to Kuwait News Agency, Starmer emphasized that the proposed pathway will outline the concrete steps necessary to transform the urgently needed ceasefire into a lasting peace. He stated unequivocally that the recognition of a Palestinian state must be one of those steps. However, he insisted that it must be part of a broader strategy that ultimately leads to a two-state solution and enduring security for both Palestinians and Israelis. Starmer highlighted that this approach aims to ensure maximum utility in improving the lives of those affected by the conflict, which remains the ultimate goal.
Starmer also condemned the ongoing situation in Gaza, describing the scenes as appalling and unrelenting. He criticized the continued captivity of hostages, the starvation, and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, as well as the escalating violence from extremist settler groups and Israel's military actions in Gaza, labeling them as indefensible.