Britain: Recognizing Palestine is not a reward for Hamas
The British government did not consider the decision to recognize the "State of Palestine" as a reward for Hamas.
The British government on Wednesday, July 30, rejected criticism that Britain's recognition of Palestine was a reward for the Hamas militant group.
In an unprecedented move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave Israel until September to take concrete steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and if Israel fails to take action by that month, the British government will recognize the state of Palestine at the United Nations.
Starmer's warning drew a sharp response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said: "Such a move would effectively reward Hamas and punish the victims of the group's 2023 cross-border attack."
Speaking on a television channel last night, Tuesday, July 29, Starmer said: "Now that moment has come, the people of Gaza are suffering greatly." Noting that the prospect of a two-state solution, "recognizing Palestine as an independent state alongside Israel, in peace," is disappearing, he announced a meeting of the UN General Assembly to decide on Palestine.
He said: "If Israel does not take concrete steps to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, refrain from annexing the West Bank, and commit to a long-term peace process to achieve a two-state solution, Britain will recognize the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly meeting to be held in September."
British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander responded to the criticism by saying, "Recognizing Palestine as an independent state is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas is a despicable terrorist organization that has committed horrific crimes. The issue now is the Palestinian people and the children who are dying of hunger in Gaza. We must increase pressure on the Israeli government to lift the restrictions and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza again."
The French government also supported Britain's decision, announcing that it would recognize the state of Palestine in September if Israel took no action.
US President Donald Trump also responded to the criticism, saying, "I don't think Hamas will be rewarded by recognizing Palestinian independence."
