Starmer too Announce UK position on Palestinian State Recognition Sunday
LONDON – Labor leader Keir Starmer will announce on Sunday whether the United Kingdom will formally recognize a State of Palestine, a move that comes amid growing international pressure regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision follows similar considerations by France, where former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has sharply criticized the international response to the crisis.
Villepin warned that French President Emmanuel Macron, along with other European leaders, “will have to be accountable, in front of the ‘history court'” for perceived inaction regarding the “disaster” unfolding in gaza. ”Before history, they will have to explain why they did not do everything, why they did not dare to take a certain number of steps when we know the extent of the disaster which takes place in Gaza,” he stated on Radio J. He suggested accountability could extend to international justice, but primarily lies with “the history court.”
Despite his criticism, Villepin approved of Macron’s initiative to recognize the Palestinian state, stating, “We recognize, we French, a principle of law and a principle of justice. Some say that it is purely symbolic. No. No, it’s not purely symbolic.” He rebuked those, like the National Rally, who argue recognition would benefit Hamas, calling it “a sin against the mind,” and asserting Hamas has consistently opposed a political solution.
however, Villepin also expressed concern that Macron’s upcoming address to the United Nations will be judged not on its content, but on “what he has not done throughout the last months, just like Europeans, that is to say put all its weight to end the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza.” He further asserted, “We are witnessing an ethnic cleaning today, crimes committed daily by this goverment and France does not do everything it should.”
Starmer’s announcement is expected to clarify the UK’s stance as the international community grapples with the escalating humanitarian crisis and the future of a two-state solution.
