Israel accuses UK of turning ‘blind eye' to terrorism over possible recognition of Palestinian state
In a message posted on social media platform X, he added that no 'token recognition' or UN resolution would 'change the basic fact that there are those in the world who fight terrorists and extremist forces, and then there are those who turn a blind eye to them' or pursue appeasement.
He added that Israel would not waver after the 'Hamas atrocities' of Oct. 7, 2023, and would do 'whatever is necessary to bring home the hostages and defeat Hamas.'
His comments came hours after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would officially recognize the State of Palestine during the UN's General Assembly in September, unless Israel takes action.
He said: 'So today, as part of this process towards peace, I can confirm the UK will recognize the State of Palestine, by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.'
Starmer also demanded that Hamas release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, accept that it will play no part in governing Gaza, and commit to disarmament.
Speaking on the second day of the conference in New York, which was co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, the UK's foreign minister, David Lammy, said that it was 'with the hand of history on our shoulders' that the British government 'intends to recognize the State of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September … unless the Israeli government acts to end the appalling situation in Gaza, ends its military campaign, and commits to a long, sustainable peace based on a two-state solution.'
French President Emmanuel Macron previously stated that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming General Assembly.
Israel's Foreign Ministry said it rejected Starmer's demands. It accused the UK of rewarding Hamas and harming 'efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages' by 'following the French move and internal political pressures.'
Israeli authorities continue to reject any form of Palestinian statehood. On Monday, Danon said the UN conference 'does not promote a solution but rather deepens the illusion.'
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