Share this post:
The United Kingdom is set to recognise Palestine as a state today (September 21, 2025).
But is the move more symbolic than substantial, if it isn’t followed by real action to ensure self-governance and to restrain Israeli land-grabbing?
Keir Starmer’s government is pressing ahead despite resistance from the United States and families of Israeli hostages, and despite fury at the decision from Israel’s government.
Ministers claim recognition is a necessary response to Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and its plans to accelerate settlement-building in the West Bank.
Hamas has been quick to say that this is a positive outcome – for that organisation – of its mass-murder attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, when around 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 taken as hostages.
Labour insists this is not a reward for Hamas, stressing that the group would have no role in future governance.
Instead, the government says it is reacting to the collapse of conditions for a two-state solution – as settler violence increases, humanitarian suffering in Gaza worsens, and Benjamin Netanyahu continues his “land grab” politics.
But this explanation has not silenced critics. Families of Israeli hostages say it will make negotiations harder. Opposition parties have accused Starmer of bowing to Labour backbenchers.
My concern is that recognition alone changes nothing.
Palestinians still cannot effectively govern themselves under current conditions.
Israel continues to act with impunity, seizing land and expanding settlements while subjecting Gaza to relentless bombardment.
Unless recognition is followed by international pressure to enforce Palestinian self-determination – and unless Israel is forced to respect it – this decision risks becoming yet another empty gesture.
It is nonsense to say October 7, 2023 was the trigger for this moment.
Recognition is not the fruit of terrorism – it is the result of Israel’s disproportionate retaliation – an assault on Gaza that many in the international community consider to be genocide, even if Starmer’s government refuses to use that word.
So yes, recognition is long overdue. But other measures are also required: sanctions on Israel for settlement expansion, real support for Palestinian governance, and action to deliver a meaningful two-state solution.
Without those, it will remain little more than words on paper.
Share this post:
Like this:
Like Loading...
Starmer recognises Palestine – so what?
Share this post:
The United Kingdom is set to recognise Palestine as a state today (September 21, 2025).
But is the move more symbolic than substantial, if it isn’t followed by real action to ensure self-governance and to restrain Israeli land-grabbing?
Keir Starmer’s government is pressing ahead despite resistance from the United States and families of Israeli hostages, and despite fury at the decision from Israel’s government.
Ministers claim recognition is a necessary response to Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and its plans to accelerate settlement-building in the West Bank.
Hamas has been quick to say that this is a positive outcome – for that organisation – of its mass-murder attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, when around 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 taken as hostages.
Labour insists this is not a reward for Hamas, stressing that the group would have no role in future governance.
Instead, the government says it is reacting to the collapse of conditions for a two-state solution – as settler violence increases, humanitarian suffering in Gaza worsens, and Benjamin Netanyahu continues his “land grab” politics.
But this explanation has not silenced critics. Families of Israeli hostages say it will make negotiations harder. Opposition parties have accused Starmer of bowing to Labour backbenchers.
My concern is that recognition alone changes nothing.
Palestinians still cannot effectively govern themselves under current conditions.
Israel continues to act with impunity, seizing land and expanding settlements while subjecting Gaza to relentless bombardment.
Unless recognition is followed by international pressure to enforce Palestinian self-determination – and unless Israel is forced to respect it – this decision risks becoming yet another empty gesture.
It is nonsense to say October 7, 2023 was the trigger for this moment.
Recognition is not the fruit of terrorism – it is the result of Israel’s disproportionate retaliation – an assault on Gaza that many in the international community consider to be genocide, even if Starmer’s government refuses to use that word.
So yes, recognition is long overdue. But other measures are also required: sanctions on Israel for settlement expansion, real support for Palestinian governance, and action to deliver a meaningful two-state solution.
Without those, it will remain little more than words on paper.
Share this post:
Like this:
you might also like
United States cut off funding for UN agency providing aid to Palestinians. Why?
Like this:
Israel’s Arab MPs back Corbyn – and oppose IHRA definition – in antisemitism row
Like this:
‘British Jews’ documentary triggers death of a cherished anti-Corbyn LIE
Like this:
Like this: