LONDON: The UK remains on course to recognize a Palestinian state in September, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will tell MPs on Monday, The Guardian reported on Sunday.
Lammy is expected to confirm in a House of Commons statement that officials will carry out a formal assessment in the coming days as to whether Israel has complied with the conditions set out by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
One UK official told the newspaper: “We will assess all the factors relevant to recognition. But, as things stand, we’re on a pathway to recognition.”
Starmer said that the UK would recognize Palestine before the UN General Assembly, which begins on Sept. 9, unless Israel took “substantive steps” to end the war in Gaza, agreed to a ceasefire, and committed not to annex parts of the West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has instead hardened its stance, with signs of moving in the opposite direction.
Reuters reported on Sunday that Israel was considering annexation in the West Bank if the UK, France and other countries proceed with recognizing Palestine.
Israeli officials said the issue was discussed at Netanyahu’s Cabinet meeting on Sunday, but gave no indication of where or when annexation could take place.
The British Foreign Office has just over a week to complete its formal assessment of Israel’s position.
Senior officials have said that the timing of Britain’s recognition is being driven more by diplomatic concerns to act in concert with France than by the assessment itself.
Lammy also warned on Sunday that the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where UN-backed experts have declared a famine in parts of the enclave, was a “man-made catastrophe” caused by Israel’s refusal to allow in sufficient aid.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering,” Lammy said in a statement.
“The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: For aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need.”
The government on Sunday announced an additional £3 million ($4.05 million) to provide midwives and emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. But it stressed that the support would only reach those in need if Israel permitted greater humanitarian access.
“This funding can only have maximum impact if the government of Israel allows it,” Lammy said.
“Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of lifesaving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.”
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