London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing pressure to immediately recognise Palestinian statehood after France made a commitment to do so within months and a group of about 125 MPs called on the prime minister to do the same.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Labour and Lib Dem MPs on the foreign affairs committee argued that statehood is an "inalienable right" that should "not be made conditional". However, their two Tory colleagues emphasized that recognition should only occur as part of a long-term political solution to the conflict in the Middle East, reflecting the Labour government's position.
Sir Keir is scheduled to hold an emergency call with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later today, amid warnings of potential mass starvation in Gaza. In a statement on Thursday evening, Sir Keir condemned the "unspeakable and indefensible" conditions in Gaza, affirming that statehood was an "inalienable right".
He reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the conflict, suggesting that this would "put us on a path" towards recognising a Palestinian state. Previously, he had stated that the UK should reserve recognition for when it would have the "greatest impact," without specifying a timeline.
Most countries, approximately 139 in total, formally recognise a Palestinian state. However, many European nations and the United States have indicated they will only do so as part of broader efforts towards a long-term resolution to the conflict. Last year, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognised Palestinian statehood, hoping to exert diplomatic pressure to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.