TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The UK Government will recognize Palestine before the next general election in 2029, according to UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Speaking to Sky News on Monday, as quoted by Anadolu, Reynolds stated that ministers are committed to this recognition.
When asked if the recognition would occur within the current parliamentary period, Reynolds responded, "In this parliament, yes. I mean, if it delivers the breakthrough that we need."
He added a note of caution, "But don't forget, we can only do this once. If we do it in a way which is tokenistic, doesn't produce the end to this conflict, where do we go to next?"
Pressure Mounts on Starmer Amid Gaza Crisis
Responding to the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Reynolds emphasized, "the point about the airdrops is that we cannot wait — we've got to do something. We can all see the lapse in humanity on display."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly facing pressure from several senior government members to promptly recognize Palestine, as cited by Politico.
The Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament recently urged the government to swiftly and firmly recognize Palestine's existence as part of joint preparations with allies for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Emily Thornberry, the committee's chair, said that there is "a great frustration among many British people because the government continues to act too little and too late."
Adding to the pressure on Starmer, over 200 members of parliament from various parties have signed an open letter calling for Palestine's recognition.
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Efforts
Israel faces increasing international condemnation over the widespread starvation among children in the Gaza Strip. More than 200 parliament members from nine parties signed a letter last Friday, advocating for the immediate recognition of Palestine, arguing it would have a "significant impact due to our historic connections."
French President Emmanuel Macron further increased pressure last week by stating France's commitment to such a move.
Although insisting that statehood is an "inalienable right" of the Palestinian people, Starmer has so far refused to set a definitive timeframe for recognition. He maintains that recognition will occur "at a time most conducive to the prospects of peace."
"I know many countries around the world have already done this. To be frank, to be candid, it hasn’t stopped the appalling scenes that we’re talking about this morning. So we’ve got to use this moment — you can only do it once. Use it in a way that gets the breakthrough that we need. And the U.S. is really important in that," Reynolds said of recognition Monday.
Sky News reported that Starmer will convene his top team for an emergency meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, to discuss the situation in Gaza. This rarely held cabinet meeting during the parliamentary recess is scheduled to begin at 14:00 local time, with prominent British politicians expected to deliberate on increasing aid delivery to Gaza.
This meeting follows the Prime Minister's discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump in Scotland yesterday, where both leaders reportedly shared the same view on swiftly delivering more aid to Gaza.
However, the U.S. and UK hold differing positions on the ongoing Two-State Solution Conference in New York; the US is boycotting it, while UK Foreign Minister David Lammy is scheduled to deliver a speech at its plenary session later.
The Israeli military has carried out extensive attacks in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 60,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children. Relentless bombings have devastated the enclave and caused a severe food crisis.
Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide lawsuit in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the war launched against the enclave.
Editor’s Choice: Trump Acknowledges Child Hunger in Gaza: 'You Can't Fake That'
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Israel Accused of Torturing Black Activist on Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Handala
7 menit lalu
An activist from the black American humanitarian organization aboard the Handala aid ship bound for Gaza was attacked upon arrival at an Israeli prison.
Putin, Netanyahu Discuss Iran and Syria Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
1 jam lalu
Vladimir Putin spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss Middle East tensions, particularly involving Iran and Syria.
Trump Acknowledges Child Hunger in Gaza: 'You Can't Fake That'
3 jam lalu
Trump challenged a previous claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who denied there is hunger in Gaza.
Indonesia and the UK Draft AI Regulations for Six Sectors
11 jam lalu
Vice Minister of Komdigi Nezar Patria stated that both parties are currently drafting AI regulations targeted to be completed by the end of July 2025.
Three Israeli Soldiers Imprisoned for Refusing Gaza Deployment
1 hari lalu
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have dismissed and imprisoned three soldiers for refusing to return to fight in Gaza.
Food Aid Trucks Begin Entering Gaza from Egypt
1 hari lalu
Trucks carrying aid are moving towards Gaza from Egypt as Israel announces the opening of humanitarian corridors and temporary ceasefires in certain areas of Gaza.
Israel Intercepts Freedom Flotilla Aid Ship, Detains 21 Activists
2 hari lalu
Israeli Military raids a humanitarian aid ship, Handala, in international waters as it heads to Gaza, detaining 21 activists from 12 countries and confiscating its cargo.
Israel Has No Evidence Hamas Looted UN Aid in Gaza, Reports Reveal
2 hari lalu
The New York Times and The Jerusalem Post report that Israel has no evidence of Hamas looting of UN aid in Gaza.
100,000 Gaza Children Face Mass Starvation Deaths
2 hari lalu
Health Authorities in Gaza report that at least 127 Palestinians, including over 85 children, have died of starvation since the blockade
How Sweden Became the First in Western Europe to Recognize Palestine State
2 hari lalu
Sweden officially recognized the state of Palestine on October 30, 2014.
