UK to Recognize Palestine in SepUnless Israel Ends Gaza Crisis: David Lammy

News Desk

United Nations: Britain will recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel ends the “appalling situation in Gaza,” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced at a United Nations conference in New York, amid mounting global concern over the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

Speaking at the UN, Lammy stated that the UK will move to recognize Palestinian statehood unless the Israeli government takes “substantive steps” to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and commits to a long-term peace process grounded in a two-state solution a declaration met with applause from attendees.

“Our history means that Britain bears a special burden of responsibility to support the two-state solution,” Lammy said, referring to the UK’s historical role in the region.

He highlighted steps taken by the British government over the past year, including the restoration of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), suspension of arms exports to Israel, and increased humanitarian assistance. Lammy also cited a landmark agreement with the Palestinian Authority and the UK’s firm stance on international law.

In addition, the UK has imposed three rounds of sanctions on violent Israeli settlers, suspended trade negotiations with the Israeli government, and sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers for incitement, he noted.

Despite these efforts, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Lammy condemned the Israeli government’s rejection of a two-state solution as “wrong both morally and strategically,” emphasizing Britain’s commitment to preserving the viability of a peaceful resolution.

“And so, it is with the hand of history on our shoulders that His Majesty’s Government therefore intends to recognize the State of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September here in New York,” he declared.

He concluded with a firm warning: “We will do this unless the Israeli Government acts to end the appalling situation in Gaza, halts its military campaign, and commits to a long-term sustainable peace based on a two-state solution.”