The British government is actively considering the formal recognition of a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7th, Foreign Secretary David Cameron has revealed. This significant potential shift in UK foreign policy has immediately triggered a fierce political backlash.
Lord Cameron stated that recognition could occur not as part of a final peace deal, but as a way to make the two-state solution an "irreversible" process. This move is seen as part of a broader international effort, potentially including the US and European allies, to create a political horizon for peace.
Immediate Criticism and Warnings
The proposal has been met with swift condemnation from prominent figures. Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, called the idea "deeply disappointing" and argued that "rewarding the terrorists of Hamas… will only encourage more violence."
Conservative MPs have also voiced strong opposition. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman labelled the consideration "irresponsible and wrong," while backbencher Greg Smith stated that the UK "must not reward evil" and that recognition should only follow direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
The Government's Position and International Context
Despite the criticism, Lord Cameron defended the stance, suggesting that recognising a Palestinian state, even without a final agreement, could help break the current deadlock. The UK's consideration aligns it with other European nations who are exploring the same path, signalling a growing international impatience with the stalled peace process.
The Foreign Secretary emphasised that any future Palestinian state must have a new government free from Hamas's influence and offer a credible path to peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The debate places the UK at the centre of one of the world's most intractable diplomatic conflicts, balancing the pursuit of a long-term solution with the immediate, raw emotions following the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza.
