Starmer prepares landmark move on Palestinian statehood as Israel intensifies Gaza offensive
The Prime Minister is expected to recognize Palestinian statehood on Sunday while also announcing new sanctions on Hamas.
Sir Keir Starmer announced in July that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly if the situation in Gaza did not improve.
Now, it is reported the Government is planning to announce the recognition in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Alongside the recognition, the Government is expected to announce a new package of sanctions on the proscribed terror group Hamas.
As part of the announcement, Starmer is also said to be preparing to reiterate UK demands that Hamas release their remaining Israeli hostages, commit to disarmament, and play no part in a post-war Palestinian government.
Canada, Australia, Malta, Belgium, Portugal, and Luxembourg have already recognized Palestinian statehood in recent months.
Israel is currently carrying out a ground offensive into Gaza City, which was preceded by aerial bombardment on targets it says house Hamas infrastructure.
At least 14 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli strikes in Gaza City, local health officials say, as Benjamin Netanyahu’s forces intensified their offensive in the area.
Israel has yet to respond to questions about the strikes, while continuing to urge thousands of Palestinians to leave Gaza and move south to what it calls a humanitarian zone.
Residents have been seen leaving the city by car and on foot, but many are unwilling to leave because they are too weak to move or cannot afford the cost.
The mass evacuation has alarmed aid groups, who say the plan will exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel says its latest offensive will help to "destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure," but experts believe it could take months to achieve.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the death toll in the enclave has risen above 65,100 since October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
Their figures are regarded as reliable by the U.N. and many independent experts.
Over 250 people were also taken hostage on October 7, and 48 remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive.
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