UK Expected to Recognise Palestine as Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza

Strategic Insights -

The UK is expected to formally recognise Palestine on Sunday, in a move that has been years in the making. The decision comes as Israel is launching a ground offensive in Gaza, following a UN-commissioned inquiry finding that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. The UK's recognition of Palestine has been a long-standing promise, with Labour's election manifesto pledging to recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process. The move has been welcomed by Palestinian leader Husam Zomlot, who is expected to unveil the Palestinian flag at its embassy on Monday.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK is expected to formally recognise Palestine on Sunday, following a UN-commissioned inquiry finding that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.
  • Labour's election manifesto pledged to recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process.
  • The UK's recognition of Palestine has been a long-standing promise, with officials saying they didn't want the decision to be wasted as a gesture.
  • The decision comes as Israel is launching a ground offensive in Gaza, following a UN-commissioned inquiry finding that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.
  • More than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its 2023 offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
  • The UK's move has set the country apart from the US, with Donald Trump saying there was a "disagreement" with Keir Starmer on Palestine recognition.
  • The US President wants the fighting to stop and for Hamas to release the hostages taken on October 7, 2023, but does not agree with recognising Palestine.

Statistics:

  • 147 of the UN's 193 member states have recognised Palestine as a state.
  • The UK, France, and Canada are the next G7 countries to recognise Palestine this month, making Palestine a recognised state internationally.
  • Over 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza this year, according to charity Save the Children.
  • The UN-commissioned inquiry found that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.
  • The Hamas-run health ministry reports that more than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its 2023 offensive.

Sources:

  • Labour Party Election Manifesto
  • UN Security Council
  • UN-backed experts
  • Save the Children
  • Hamas-run health ministry
  • Amnesty International