UK dismisses claim Hamas benefits from Palestinian recognition
The UK has rejected the accusation that Hamas will benefit from the country’s plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, according to Al-Monitor via Reuters on July 30th.
The claim occurred following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ultimatum on July 29th, in which he announced that his country will recognise Palestine as a state, unless Israel agreed a two-state solution via a long-term ceasefire, clearly states the West Bank will not be annexed and ramps up efforts to allow further aid to reach Gaza. This UK decision follows France’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.
July 29th saw the confirmation that the highest level of famine was being recorded in Gaza, with images of emaciated Gaza children circulating online. In order to prevent further widespread deaths, immediate action needs to be taken, according to a hunger monitor.
Starmer’s decision seems to be a reversal of his previous choices, such as stepping back from recognising Palestinian statehood following threats from Israel.
US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the matter, arguing that Hamas should not be rewarded through the recognition of Palestine as a state.
The UK has responded to the scrutiny it is under, with British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander stating that Britain’s plan was not a “reward for Hamas,” and that the decision was “about the Palestinian people” and “about those children that we see in Gaza who are starving to death.” She also criticised Hamas, saying that it is a “vile terrorist organisation that has committed appalling atrocities.”
Al-Monitor via Reuters, Maghrebi.org
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