Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have for the first time called on Hamas to lay down its arms and end its rule in Gaza, marking an unprecedented shift in Arab policy towards the militant group. The three nations joined 14 other countries, including Britain and France, in a declaration issued after a United Nations conference in New York.
The declaration states: 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.' French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the move as 'both historic and unprecedented'.
The landmark shift comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued Israel with an ultimatum, pledging to recognise Palestine if Benjamin Netanyahu's administration fails to take steps to end the war by September. Sir Keir said the UK would only refrain if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing West Bank land, agrees to a ceasefire, and signs up to a long-term peace process, while Hamas must release hostages and disarm.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded furiously, calling the UK decision a reward for 'monstrous terrorism', while US President Donald Trump also accused Britain of 'rewarding Hamas'. However, British-Israeli former hostage Emily Damari warned Sir Keir was 'not standing on the right side of history', accusing him of a 'moral failure' that risks rewarding terror.
The move follows mounting domestic pressure on the prime minister, with over 250 cross-party MPs signing a letter calling for recognition of Palestine. Canada also announced it would recognise the state of Palestine in September, joining France and the UK in stepping up pressure to end the conflict.
