Will UK recognize Palestinian statehood: UK government explains
Photo: Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Getty Images)
The UK government plans to recognize the State of Palestine, but the timing of the decision remains unknown, BBC reports.
According to Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, the UK plans to "focus on the emergency situation that has developed today," particularly on the need to "get food to people." Kyle also added that the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, plans to convene a meeting with the leaders of France and Germany.
"This is part of our government’s election manifesto - we are committed to the establishment of statehood for Palestine. It must happen in a way that becomes a source of support and ensures the long-term peace and stability that Palestine needs," the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology explained.
Kyle added that the UK is currently calling for a ceasefire, and only after that will it do everything possible to "help create the conditions for negotiations on the long-term recognition of Palestinian statehood and ensuring security in the region."
France's plans to recognize Palestine as state
On July 24, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris plans in September, during the UN General Assembly, to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state. This statement drew a negative reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, UK media report that pressure on Starmer is increasing both from the French leader and from some members of his own government - they are demanding that he make a similar decision on Palestine as soon as possible.
At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the USA categorically does not support Macron's initiative to recognize Palestinian statehood in September.
