Israel accuses UK of ‘appeasing terrorism'
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the policy shift on Tuesday under pressure from members of parliament, stating that London would pursue recognition of a Palestinian state from September unless Israel enables sufficient humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and halts any plans for further annexation in the West Bank.
Netanyahu denounced the move, accusing Starmer of emboldening the militant group Hamas and paving the way for a 'jihadist state' that would endanger both Israel and the UK.
'Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails,' Netanyahu said in a post on X. 'It will not happen.'
In its announcement, the Starmer government emphasized that it envisions no role for Hamas in Gaza's future governance and rejected claims that the policy rewards terrorism. London reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, describing it as a vision of 'a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.'
Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have consistently opposed a two-state solution. The Israeli government has continued to expand Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and maintains control over a system that human rights organizations describe as apartheid.
The conflict escalated in October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly raid from Gaza into southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of dozens of hostages. Israel responded with a sweeping military operation that, according to local Gaza officials, has killed over 59,000 people in the enclave.
On Monday, the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem said Israel's military actions in Gaza amount to genocide, based on an analysis of government statements and the effects of the ongoing campaign.
Most nations in the world, including China, India, and Russia, already recognize Palestinian statehood. France became the first G7 member to announce its intention to follow suit last week. Other countries considering the move include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Portugal.
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