Is Britain tearing up the diplomatic playbook?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer just stunned the world by officially recognising a Palestinian state.
He says the move is meant to “keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.”
Australia, Canada and Portugal have done the same, with France likely to join.
The backlash was instant. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a huge reward to terrorism,” while families of Israeli hostages and UK Conservatives branded the decision reckless.
Starmer insists the opposite: Hamas, he says, will have “no future, no role in government, no role in security.”
Hope And Doubt Over UK Move
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called the move a milestone that could pave the way for living “side by side” with Israel.
Yet reality on the ground is grim. Gaza is in ruins after nearly two years of war.
The West Bank is dotted with expanding settlements, and negotiations are stalled.
Deputy PM David Lammy admits recognition won’t feed hungry children or free hostages.
He argues it’s a moral stance to revive a peace process long on life support.
As one Palestinian envoy put it, “history is being corrected.”
Whether that’s a step toward peace — or just another flashpoint in an already volatile conflict — is the question everyone’s asking.
