RIYAK, Lebanon (AP) — Britain’s top diplomat mentioned that his country might formally acknowledge a Palestinian state after a cease-fire in Gaza without waiting for the outcome of potentially lengthy discussions between Israel and the Palestinians regarding a two-state solution. David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, made this statement during a visit to Lebanon aimed at reducing regional tensions. He indicated that recognition would not happen while Hamas is in control of Gaza, but could occur while negotiations between Israel and Palestinian leaders were ongoing. According to Cameron, the UK’s recognition of an independent state of Palestine, including at the United Nations, “can’t come at the start of the process, but it doesn’t have to be the very end of the process.” He emphasized the importance of giving the Palestinian people a vision of a better future with their own state, which is crucial for the long-term peace and security of the region.
Politically, Britain, the U.S. and other Western countries have supported the concept of an independent Palestine coexisting with Israel as a solution to the region’s complex conflict. However, they have stated that Palestinian independence should be part of a negotiated settlement. Substantive negotiations have not taken place since 2009. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state after the war and has even claimed credit for preventing Palestinian statehood. If some of Israel’s key allies decide to recognize a Palestinian state without Israel’s approval, it could isolate Israel and exert pressure on the country to engage in discussions.
Cameron stressed that the first step must be a “pause in the fighting” in Gaza, leading to a “permanent, sustainable cease-fire.” He also mentioned that for the United Kingdom to recognize a Palestinian state, the leaders of the Hamas militant group would need to leave Gaza, as a two-state solution cannot be achieved while Gaza is still controlled by the group responsible for the deadly attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. So far, Hamas has stated that its leaders will not leave the enclave as part of a cease-fire deal. Cameron also revealed that his country is proposing a plan to de-escalate tensions on the Lebanon-Israel border, where Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been engaging in near-daily confrontations for the past four months, raising concerns of a broader conflict. The plan entails Britain training Lebanese army forces to carry out more security work in the border region.___Follow AP’s coverage at
