"Formally, the UK is recognising Palestine as an independent state as part of an attempt to preserve and nurture the vision of a two-state solution in which the state of Palestine coexists next to Israel. There are genuine fears that Israel is about to annex the West Bank or make Gaza so uninhabitable that Palestinians are forced over the borders into Jordan or Egypt, so destroying the possibility of a Palestinian homeland."
"The UK set a group of conditions on Israel and not the Palestinians that if met would have meant the UK would hold back from recognition. These were: a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to Israel's military campaign, and a commitment to long-term negotiations on a two-state solution. The UK has said it envisages 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."
"Recognition is largely symbolic. When the UK's position was announced the then foreign secretary, David Lammy, said: It will not change the position on the ground. But it allows the UK to enter treaties with Palestine and would mean that the Palestine head of mission becomes a fully recognised ambassador. Some argue that a greater onus would be placed on the UK to boycott goods im"
The UK will formally recognise Palestine as an independent state to preserve and nurture a two-state solution alongside Israel. The decision followed France’s announcement of a similar move and responds to fears of Israeli annexation of the West Bank or actions that could render Gaza uninhabitable, undermining prospects for a Palestinian homeland. Recognition asserts Palestinian statehood and the right to self-determination amid an occupation judged illegal by the International Court of Justice. The UK conditioned its previous restraint on Israel achieving a Gaza ceasefire, ending its military campaign, and committing to long-term negotiations. The UK envisions a Palestinian state with Hamas disarmed and excluded from government and the Palestinian Authority leadership subject to elections within a year. Recognition is largely symbolic but enables treaty-making and full diplomatic ambassador status for Palestine.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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