Hamas ‘generally positive' about Witkoff's hostage-ceasefire deal proposal
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Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Britain and France mull recognising a Palestinian state – will it impact Israel? Do London and Paris hold clout?
Britain has said it will recognise a Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza by September. The announcement, following France's similar move, sans the rider, marks growing European frustration with Israel's conduct in the ongoing war. Britain and France, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, are signalling strong disapproval of Israel's military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have died since the war escalated after Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and led to around 250 abductions. The UK's position is a political warning: resolve the conflict diplomatically or face increasing global recognition of a Palestinian state outside Israel's terms. Analysts say both London and Paris aim to revive momentum for a two-state solution. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said France is prepared to officially recognise a Palestinian state, but only if it proves useful in achieving a lasting political solution. He emphasised that recognition must not be symbolic but part of a broader diplomatic initiative that leads to peace. Macron also warned that unilateral recognition without progress toward a two-state solution could inflame tensions rather than resolve them. President Donald Trump brushed off French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. 'What he says doesn't matter,' Trump told reporters at the White House. However, the US president said he believes there is starvation in Gaza, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's claim that no starvation exists. Statehood under international law requires: A permanent population Defined territory A functioning government Capacity to enter international relations Experts argue that the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which represents Palestinians abroad, broadly meet these criteria. Yes — both politically and practically. Recognition strengthens the Palestinian claim to statehood, boosts their international legitimacy, and increases pressure on Israel. As Professor Ardi Imseis told NYT, it could force nations to reassess deals with Israel, especially if they involve illegal settlements or occupied land. For instance, importing produce from West Bank settlements could breach international law once Palestine is officially recognised. Legal experts point out that recognition could also accelerate moves in international courts, like the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, where Israel is already facing scrutiny. A total of 147 out of 193 UN member states have recognised Palestine. If Britain and France join, it will leave the US as the only Security Council permanent member opposed. However, full UN membership still depends on US support — Washington's veto power prevents Palestine's upgrade from observer status. Yes, their influence is considerable. As veto-wielding United Nations Security Council members, UK and France's stance could isolate Israel diplomatically and heighten pressure on Washington to reconsider its position. Recognition may also prompt other hesitant Western nations to follow suit, particularly if no ceasefire is achieved and humanitarian conditions worsen. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), more than 500,000 people in Gaza — roughly one in four — are experiencing "catastrophic" hunger levels, the most severe classification. The UN has warned that famine is imminent in northern Gaza unless aid access improves drastically. A combination of siege tactics, bombings, and border closures has left large parts of the population without clean water, medical supplies, or sufficient food. Many see recognition as a nudge toward restarting negotiations. 'Small steps like recognition make a contribution,' said international lawyer Paul Reichler to New York Times. 'The only viable solution remains two states for two peoples.' However, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea. His coalition includes far-right ministers who oppose Palestinian statehood, and he risks losing their support if he softens his stance. In a Tuesday statement, Netanyahu said Britain's move 'rewards Hamas's monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims.' The UK and France's declarations may be largely symbolic for now, but their potential diplomatic and legal implications are real. Recognition of Palestine by two of the West's most powerful nations could reshape global discourse — and increase pressure on both Israel and the US to find a sustainable path to peace.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
France, 14 other nations urge recognition of Palestinian state
France and 14 other Western nations called on countries worldwide to move to recognise a Palestinian state, France's top diplomat said Wednesday. The foreign ministers of 15 countries late Tuesday issued a joint statement following a conference in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving a two-state solution between Israelis and the Palestinians. "In New York, together with 14 other countries, France is issuing a collective appeal: we express our desire to recognise the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done so to join us," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X. President Emmanuel Macron announced last week he would formally recognise Palestinian statehood in September, provoking strong opposition from Israel and the United States. France is hoping to build a momentum around the formal recognition of a Palestinian state. On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes various "substantive steps", including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. Starmer's move, paired with Paris, would make the two European allies the first G7 nations to do so. In the statement, 15 nations including Spain, Norway, and Finland affirmed their "unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution." Nine of the signatories which have not yet recognised the Palestinian state expressed "the willingness or the positive consideration of their countries" to do so, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Seventeen countries plus the European Union and Arab League during the conference joined calls for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Palestinian territory.
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First Post
3 hours ago
- First Post
Gaza's shadow falls on Europe's innovation pact with Israel
The EU's flagship innovation program faces a crisis of conscience as it considers pulling funding from Israeli firms developing technologies later deployed in military operations read more On Monday 28 July, the European Commission proposed suspending funding for Israeli startups involved in technologies with potential military applications. Horizon Europe is the EU'S key funding program for research and innovation, which Israel joined in 2021 as an associated country. Since then it has utilised the program's €95.5 billion and subsequently the EIC Accelerator program to fund startups and small businesses with disruptive innovations and emerging technologies as per the Accelerator program's objective. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Grappling with the ethics of dual-use technology The proposal comes amid increasing pressure on the EU to take action regarding the situation in Gaza. EU and Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, have been increasingly aligned in calls for a ceasefire agreement. The suspension would specifically target Israeli startups developing technologies that could be used in military contexts such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and drone technologies. The proposed suspension is not the first time that EU funding to Israel has come under scrutiny. Technologies developed with EU financial support have been used in military operations in Gaza, the most prominent example being the use of the Skylord Xtender drone technology by the Israeli drone manufacturer Xtend. Xtend received €50,000 as part of the EIC Accelerator program to optimize its Skylord Xtender drone technology and explore commercialization opportunities. Despite supposed prohibitions on direct EU support for military and defense projects, this drone technology was later adapted for military application by the Israeli Defense Forces. After October 7, 2023, the company shifted its focus 100% toward supporting the IDF, and the Skylord drones have been deployed in Israeli military operations in Gaza. Human rights at the forefront The European Commission's proposal, moreover, follows a review of the EU's association agreement with Israel. The report cites findings by EU auditors that indicate the non-alignment of Israel's actions in Gaza with the principle of respect for human rights. If implemented, the suspension could have far-reaching implications, potentially stifling innovation and collaboration between Israeli startups and European partners. The proposal now awaits member state deliberation, potentially setting the stage for the EU's first formal funding restriction against Israel since the escalation of the Gaza conflict.
