British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state later today, marking a major shift in government policy, the BBC reports.
Earlier this morning, Starmer’s deputy, David Lammy, spoke out, acknowledging that the decision would have little impact on the situation on the ground in Gaza, but insisting that now was the right time for the move.
Both the Israeli and US governments believe that the UK’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood is a diplomatic gift to the Palestinian movement Hamas, following its attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1.200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage, according to the BBC.
Starmer’s expected move today was met with fierce criticism from the Israeli government and from some families of Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
In an open letter published on Saturday, a group of 16 relatives of hostages kidnapped on October 7, 2023, appealed to the British Prime Minister not to move forward with the plan to recognize a Palestinian state.
“Your regrettable announcement of the UK’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly has drastically complicated efforts to bring our loved ones home. Hamas has already celebrated the UK’s decision as a victory and has withdrawn from the ceasefire agreement. We appeal to you with a simple plea – do not take this step until our loved ones are home, in our arms,” the letter states, according to the BBC.
Hamas still holds 48 hostages in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
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