Over a hundred members of Parliament are demanding that the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, recognise Palestinian statehood.
According to Sky News, 125 MPs have signed a mass cross-party letter urging him to take the step.
The letter is reportedly being organised by Labour backbencher Sarah Champion, who also serves as Chair of the International Development Committee.
They write: “British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine.
“Since 1980 we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that Mandate.”
SaharaReporters reported that France announced on Thursday its decision to recognise the statehood of Palestine. Emmanuel Macron, in a post on his official X handle, noted that the country’s formal announcement will be made in September.
“Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron stated.
He added that the formal announcement will be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Macron stressed the urgent need to end the war in Gaza, provide humanitarian assistance, and secure the region, calling for the demilitarisation of Hamas and the rebuilding of Gaza.
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population,” he wrote. “We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarisation of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza.”
He emphasised that the future Palestinian state must be committed to peace and coexistence, with full recognition of Israel.
“And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region,” Macron added.
He underscored the desire for peace among the French population, stating, “The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility — as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners — to prove that peace is possible.”
Macron also revealed that he had communicated directly with the President of the Palestinian Authority to express his intentions.
France’s decision brings the number of countries recognizing the Palestinian state to at least 146. However, the United States, a long-time ally of Israel, has notably withheld such recognition.
The decision by France has been met with strong condemnation from both Israel and the United States, who are actively involved in the ongoing conflict with Palestine.
The US made its position known in a post by its ambassador to France, Charles Kushner. He described the move as a blow to peace.
“France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state is a gift to Hamas and a blow to peace. I’ve just arrived, and I’m deeply disappointed. @EmmanuelMacron – I hope to change your mind before September. Free the hostages. Focus on a ceasefire. This is the path to lasting peace,” he posted on his official X handle.
