Saudi Arabia welcomes announcement that UK will recognize Palestinian state in September unless Israel acts
In a statement, the foreign ministry said: 'The Kingdom renews its call to the international community and peace-loving countries to take serious steps that affirm the inherent right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.'
Starmer said on Tuesday that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel has not taken the steps demanded by the time the UN General Assembly is held in September.
It must 'end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect' of a two-state solution, he added.
'I've always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,' Starmer said.
'With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Arab News
Britain seeks a crackdown on social media ads of human traffickers
LONDON: Britain says people who advertise fake passports or people-smuggling services on social medial could face up to five years in prison, in the government's latest effort to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. The government said Sunday that anyone convicted of creating online materials intended to break UK immigration law will face prison time and a large fine. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the aim was to stop the 'brazen tactics on social media' used by smuggling gangs. 'Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country — whether on or offline — simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral,' she said. Assisting illegal immigration to the UK is already a crime, but officials believe a new offense — part of a border security bill currently going through Parliament — will give police and prosecutors more powers to disrupt gangs that send migrants on perilous journeys across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the crime gangs are a threat to global security and should be treated like terror networks. Since taking office a year ago, Starmer's center-left Labour Party government has adopted powers to seize the assets of people-smugglers, beefed up UK border surveillance and increased law-enforcement cooperation with France and other countries to disrupt the journeys. Despite that, more than 25,000 people have reached Britain by boat so far this year, an increase of 50 percent on the same period in 2024. Small boat crossings have become a potent political issue, fueled by pictures of smugglers piling migrants into overcrowded, leaky inflatable boats on the French coast. Opposition parties say the government's plans aren't working — though the government argues the problems built up during 14 years when the Conservative Party was in power, The Conservatives say Starmer should not have scrapped the previous government's contentious and expensive plan to send migrants arriving by boat on a one-way trip to Rwanda. 'This is a panicked attempt to look tough after months of doing nothing,' Conservative immigration spokesman Chris Philp said. The government says it will take time to clear a backlog of applications that has left thousands of migrants stuck in temporary accommodation — often hotels — without the right to work. The hotels have become flashpoints for tension, attracting protests fueled by a mix of local concern, misinformation and anti-immigrant agitation.
Leaders
14 hours ago
- Leaders
Sydney's Historic March for Gaza: Tens of Thousands Call for Ceasefire
Demonstrators gathered to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, chanting 'Ceasefire now,' after the Supreme Court authorized the march just one day before, allowing the event to proceed despite initial resistance. Organizers hailed this decision as 'historic.' Despite torrential rain, tens of thousands joined the March for Humanity, carrying placards demanding politicians end the war. Notably, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange attended, alongside federal MP Ed Husic and former NSW Premier Bob Carr, marking the bridge's first closure for a public assembly since 2023. Court Ruling and Public Safety Justice Belinda Rigg approved the 'March for Humanity' just 24 hours before it began, stating she acknowledged safety risks but found the organizers' arguments about the urgent Gaza crisis compelling. Consequently, police closed the bridge to vehicles, granting protesters legal protection against assembly-related charges. However, families, including those with small children, joined the peaceful demonstration. Police officers from the riot squad monitored the event. 'I know it's the other side of the world, but it affects us here massively,' said Alec Beville, a father who compared the children in Gaza to his son, Frankie. 'We could be helping a lot more with aid.' 'Our government hasn't imposed decent sanctions on Israel,' added Zara Williams, carrying her baby, Avery. 'We can't do nothing while there's a forced starvation of an entire population.' Two hours into the event, NSW Police texted attendees, ordering an immediate halt 'due to public safety.' They instructed the crowd to turn back towards the city 'in a controlled way.' Police have not yet provided any crowd size estimate. Transport for NSW warned motorists of major city delays after road and public transport networks faced significant disruption throughout Sydney. Growing Pressure for Palestinian Statehood Meanwhile, Australia faces mounting pressure to recognize Palestinian statehood, following similar indications from France, Canada, and the UK. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for lasting security for Israel before considering recognition of a Palestinian state. The historic march on Sydney Harbour Bridge underscores the global call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite logistical challenges and legal hurdles, the protest highlighted urgent humanitarian concerns and the growing pressure on governments to take action. Short link : Post Views: 15
Saudi Gazette
18 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Tens of thousands march across Sydney Harbour Bridge in pro-Palestine rally
SYDNEY — Tens of thousands of people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday in a major pro-Palestinian demonstration, one day after the New South Wales Supreme Court authorised the event in what organisers called a 'historic' decision. Despite torrential rain, protesters carried placards urging an end to the war in Gaza and calling for political action. Chants of 'Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA' and 'What do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now' echoed across the bridge. Families with young children joined the peaceful march, while police, including riot squad officers, were stationed along the route. Among those attending were WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic and former NSW Premier Bob Carr. The bridge was last closed for a public assembly in 2023 during World Pride. Two hours into the event, NSW Police sent a text alert to attendees instructing them to stop walking north and turn back toward the city for safety reasons. No official crowd estimate has been released. The Palestine Action Group, which organised the march, lodged its notice of intention only a week earlier, prompting police to initially reject the application over traffic and safety concerns. NSW Premier Chris Minns also voiced opposition, warning against potential 'chaos.' Police sought a prohibition order from the Supreme Court, but Justice Belinda Rigg denied it, ruling there was no evidence that blocking the protest would improve public safety. The court's ruling allowed the bridge to be closed to vehicles and surrounding roads, granting attendees protection from certain public assembly-related offences under the Summary Offences Act. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies said it was 'disappointed' with the court's decision. The march comes amid growing international calls for Palestinian statehood recognition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will only consider recognition if conditions ensure lasting security for Israel, adding he will not be pressured by other nations' decisions. — Agencies
