2025-07-24T23:11:04+00:00
font
Enable Reading Mode
A-
A
A+
Shafaq News – London
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing
mounting pressure from senior members of his government and international
partners to immediately recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, according to
a report by Bloomberg.
Senior Cabinet ministers—including the
Secretaries of Health, Justice, and Culture—have reportedly urged both Starmer
and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to move swiftly toward formal recognition of
the State of Palestine.
The pressure intensified after French President
Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s intent to formally recognize the State
of Palestine. The move added weight to a growing European push that has already
seen formal recognition by Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia, among others.
Although London has so far refrained from
recognition, calls from within Starmer’s Cabinet, along with Macron’s appeal,
are prompting active debate over a policy shift.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned
that the UK may escalate diplomatic pressure on Israel if the war in Gaza
continues. The remarks came as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resumed
in Qatar.
The UK is also a signatory to a rare joint
statement issued on Monday by 25 foreign ministers and a senior EU official,
calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The statement condemned the
collapse of humanitarian conditions in the Strip and criticized Israeli strikes
on civilians and restrictions on aid delivery. “The war in Gaza must end now,”
the declaration stated.
Ireland, Spain welcome France’s Move
Ireland, which formally recognized Palestine
earlier this year, welcomed France’s decision, calling it a meaningful
contribution to achieving a two-state solution. The Irish Ministry of Foreign
Affairs emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts toward a ceasefire, the
release of hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
I welcome the announcement by President Macron that 🇫🇷 will recognise 🇵🇸 in September. This is an important contribution towards implementing the two State solution, which offers the only lasting basis for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. https://t.co/cvzQ8xC0Vj
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 24, 2025
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also
praised France’s announcement, urging unified European action. “We must all
work together to protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state
solution is the only solution,” he stated.
Celebro que Francia se sume a España y otros países europeos en su reconocimiento del Estado de Palestina. Entre todos debemos proteger lo que Netanyahu está tratando de destruir. La solución de los dos Estados es la única solución. https://t.co/fxlrSR1IPN
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 24, 2025
UN Conference on Palestinian Statehood
France announced on Thursday that it will
co-chair, alongside Saudi Arabia, a high-level international conference at the
United Nations aimed at charting a roadmap toward the creation of a Palestinian
state.
UN diplomats told Reuters the conference is set
to take place on July 28 and 29 in New York. It was originally scheduled for
June but was postponed after Israel attacked Iranian targets and the withdrawal
of several Middle Eastern delegations.
The United States has reportedly decided not to
attend the upcoming conference.
