Israel Against Britain: "The Change in Position Constitutes a Prize for Hamas"

The Foreign Ministry responded this evening (Tuesday) to the announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to which Britain will recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not take steps to end the war in Gaza.

"Israel rejects the announcement by the British Prime Minister," the Ministry's statement said. "The change in the British government's position at the current time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a prize for Hamas and harms attempts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for releasing hostages."

Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, also attacked Starmer following the British announcement. "Israel has already agreed to a ceasefire many times. No virtual recognition and no UN decision will change the basic fact that there are those who fight extremist forces, and there are those who bow their heads and ignore them," he said. "The State of Israel after October 7th will not bow its head, we will do everything necessary to return the hostages and defeat Hamas."

As mentioned, the British government's announcement stated that Starmer demands Israel immediately advance a ceasefire, bring in aid, and significantly improve the situation in the Strip – otherwise Britain will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly to be held this coming September. From the Prime Minister's office, they demand that Israel: "take concrete steps for a ceasefire, renounce any idea of annexation of the 'West Bank' (in their words). And that Israel must "commit to a long-term process for implementing a two-state solution."