KEIR STARMER EXCLUSIVE: UK stance moved Arab states to call for Hamas to disarm

On the 7th of October 2023 Hamas perpetrated the worst massacre in Israel’s history. Every day since then, the horror has continued.

Everything we do in the Middle East is aimed at getting the hostages out, getting humanitarian aid to civilians, and accelerating the process towards peace. The suffering is far too great, and it has gone on for far too long.

Our ultimate goal has not changed. We want to see a Two State Solution, with no role for the evil terrorists of Hamas.

Our demands on Hamas have not changed. The hostages must be released immediately. Hamas must lay down their weapons and accept that they have no future role in the governance of Gaza – so that the Palestinian people can build a future in peace.

That is the future we are working towards: a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

I believe this is the only outcome that can break the endless cycle of conflict which has wrought so much misery and suffering over decades.

So we are setting out a new peace plan to that end and building support for it among our international partners.

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. It’s clear that with this solution under threat like never before, that moment has arrived.

That’s why I have announced our intention to recognise Palestine in September, unless Israel takes substantive steps to urgently alleviate the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza, and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a Two State Solution.

We will make an assessment ahead of the UN General Assembly on how far the parties have met the steps we set out – and of course that includes the terrorists of Hamas. No one side will have a veto on recognition through their actions or inactions.

This is a big decision – but it is one we take in good faith. And I want to be very clear that ultimately, the Two State Solution can only advance if it represents a defeat for Hamas, who must accept they have no future.

Our stance on this has helped to encourage others in the region to come out strongly too. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt are calling for Hamas to release the hostages, disarm and get out of the way once and for all.

Hamas are pariahs to everyone. The faster they vacate the stage, the faster peace will come.

While this work goes on in the region, I know the past two years have been incredibly difficult for the community here at home.

The attacks of 7th October – the darkest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust – have been followed by a horrendous rise in antisemitism.

So, I want to say to Jewish News readers that we stand with you, more than ever.

Our approach to antisemitism can be summed up in two words: zero tolerance – and it is backed by real action. We’re proud to support the Community Security Trust – even though it is abhorrent that their work is necessary. And we back the police in every action they take to protect the Jewish community and ensure that you can live your lives in the UK, free from intimidation and fear.

We work towards that outcome every single day.