Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London formally recognizes Palestine “to restore hope for peace for Palestinians and Israelis and for a two-state solution.”
Britain and Canada are the first G7 countries to take the step.
Paris is expected to formalize recognition on Monday. The move has already roiled domestic politics: Palestinian flags appeared in several French cities on the eve of the announcement, but authorities ordered them removed from public buildings and banned their rehanging.
The decision by President Emmanuel Macron has polarized opinion, particularly as French Jews report a surge in antisemitic attacks.
Macron intends to stress at the UN—under a joint initiative with Saudi Arabia—that recognition must be paired with Palestinian rejection of extremism and the removal of Hamas from power, while Arab states should normalize relations with Israel.
Recognizing Palestine is “the best way to isolate Hamas,” he argued, adding that Israel’s conduct compelled his decision. Addressing Israeli Channel 12, he said Israel’s actions had caused so many civilian deaths that they were destroying the country’s image and credibility.
Observers call the cascade of recognitions a historic turning point: Western powers long insisted Palestinian statehood should follow a negotiated peace with Israel, but that stance is shifting.
Three-quarters of UN members now recognize Palestine, supporters say. Palestinians have welcomed the Western moves as a victory, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a Palestinian state would never emerge.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24