"Recognition will bring a wave of criticism from Israel, including claims that it is a reward for Hamas and terrorism, a charge the UK rejects by saying it envisages only a Palestinian state in which Hamas is disarmed, plays no part in the future government, and the leadership of the Palestinian Authority is subject to elections within a year. Starmer emphasised there would be no place for Hamas, insisting the group were terrorists, and adding he agreed with Trump on the need for a roadmap."
"The US, now in effect opposed to a two-state solution as unobtainable and undesirable, has rejected the UK move as unhelpful, but Trump has decided not to make the matter a point of division with Starmer given Washington sees it as a largely symbolic act that will not weaken Israel. The president has his own private frustrations with the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to agree a ceasefire, as well as his bombing of Qatar last week."
The UK plans to recognise the state of Palestine as early as Friday after Israel failed to meet conditions, including a Gaza ceasefire. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said recognition forms part of a package aiming for a safe, secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state. The UK requires Hamas to be disarmed, play no role in future government, and for Palestinian Authority leadership to face elections within a year. The move followed consultation with French diplomats after France's recognition. The US called the decision unhelpful, while President Trump privately disagrees but treats the step as largely symbolic.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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