Arab nations call on Hamas to disband after Keir Starmer's ultimatum to Israel
The landmark shift comes after British prime minister Keir Starmer issued Israel with an ultimatum, pledging to recognise Palestine if Benjamin Netanyahu's administration fails to take steps to end the war in Gaza by September.
The three countries joined 14 other countries, including Britain and France, in calling for the disbandment of Hamas.
The declaration, produced after a UN conference in New York, read: 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.'
French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the declaration as 'both historic and unprecedented'.
'For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, condemn October 7, call for the disarmament of Hamas, call for its exclusion from Palestinian governance, and clearly express their intention to normalise relations with Israel in the future,' he said.
A jihadist state on Israel's border today will threaten Britain tomorrow
On Tuesday, Mr Starmer recalled his Cabinet from their summer holidays to discuss steps to end what he called the 'appalling situation in Gaza', where a UN assessment has warned the population is facing a mounting humanitarian crisis.
Starmer said the UK would only refrain from recognising Palestine if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire and signs up to a long-term peace process over the next two months.
Hamas must immediately release all remaining Israeli hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and 'accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza', he also said.
But the pledge sparked international backlash, with Emily Damari – a British-Israeli woman who was held hostage by Hamas for more than a year – warning that Mr Starmer is 'not standing on the right side of history'.
She accused Mr Starmer of a 'moral failure', warning that the ultimatum 'risks rewarding terror'.
'It sends a dangerous message: that violence earns legitimacy,' she added.
Meanwhile, the Israeli prime minister issued a furious response, saying the decision 'rewards Hamas's monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims'.
Mr Netanyahu added: 'A jihadist state on Israel's border today will threaten Britain tomorrow.
'Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen.'
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