Board joins with Canadian and Australian groups to express grave concern over Palestine recognition
Downing Street sources say government will make assessment after President Trump's visit to UK ends
The Board of Deputies has joined with Canadian and Australian communal representatives to express “grave concerns” at their respective governments’ intentions to recognise a Palestinian state in a matter of days at the United Nations.
In a joint statement by the Board, Canada’s Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, and Australia’s Executive Council of Australian Jewry, it was claimed recognition of Palestinian statehood was “seen by Hamas as a reward for its violence and rejectionism towards Israel, and these announcements have therefore lessened rather than maximised pressure for the hostages’ release and for Hamas to disarm”.
Some reports suggested the UK will this weekend formally recognise Palestine after President Trump concludes his state visit.
Asked about suggestions this could be as soon as Saturday, Downing Street sources said the intention had always been to make an assessment on whether to proceed with the move ahead of the start of the high-level UN General Assembly debates on September 23.
It could mean a statement emerging on Saturday confirming the intention to recognise Palestine at UNGA in the days ahead.
There seems little doubt that that UK will proceed with recognition, with Israel having failed to adhere to conditions set out for it achieve in July by Keir Starmer, including a ceasefire in Gaza.
Britain, France, Canada and Australia are among the nations expected to recognise Palestine at the assembly, which runs until September 27, meaning it clashes with Rosh Hashanah.
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel also criticised the move saying it was a “desperate and insincere attempt by the PM to placate his backbenchers and save his premiership”.
In another move that raised eyebrows, Lucy Powell, who was sacked as Leader of the Commons, and is now standing to become deputy leader, posted a photo on X with herself and Labour MPs at a Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East event at which Palestinian diplomat Husam Zomlot attended.
Powell appeared premature with her wording on the post, claiming the event was held to “commemorate the recognition of Palestine”.
One journalist responded to the post stating:”I don’t think this has been announced yet by the government!”
While the UK’s intention to recognise Palestine has drawn widespread criticism from communal groups and from the Israeli government, others, including Admiral Ami Ayalon – former commander of Israel’s Navy and ex director of Shin-Bet – have welcomed the move.
They argue it is an attempt to protect the two-state solution which would secure Israel’s future, rather than continuing down the current path of conflict and instability.
Others argue strongly that the move should be delayed while the hostages remain held in Gaza.
But supporters of recognition argue it weakens the grip of Hamas, who have never wanted a two-state solution, and also creates space for moderate Palestinian and Israeli political views to grow.
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