By Dayo Ade Olusola |M10news| World News|July 29, 2025
Israel has sharply criticised the British government’s backing of a plan to recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September, describing the move as a political misstep that risks undermining ceasefire efforts in Gaza.
In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the UK of caving to “internal political pressures” and aligning itself with France’s earlier shift toward formal recognition of Palestine — a position Israel says effectively rewards Hamas and endangers ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
“The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages,” the Israeli statement read.
British Position Draws Fire Amid Gaza Crisis
The rebuke follows Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent commitment to support Palestinian recognition “as part of a renewed international effort” aimed at establishing a two-state solution. Downing Street officials have reportedly signalled support for a vote on Palestinian statehood during the UN’s autumn session, aligning the UK more closely with European nations such as France, Spain, and Ireland.
Starmer has argued that recognising Palestinian sovereignty is essential to restoring long-term peace and legitimacy in the region — particularly in light of mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
But Israeli officials contend that such recognition, particularly during an active conflict, sends the wrong message to militant groups and discourages good-faith negotiations.
“Rewarding terrorism with political legitimacy undermines peace,” one Israeli official told M10news on condition of anonymity. “It emboldens Hamas and undercuts efforts by moderate Palestinian factions to negotiate.”
Tensions Over Ceasefire and Hostage Talks
The diplomatic fallout comes as indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue to stall. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have so far failed to broker a lasting truce, with Israel insisting on the release of remaining hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 assault, and Hamas demanding an end to the Israeli blockade and military campaign in Gaza.
Israeli authorities have maintained that any recognition of a Palestinian state — particularly one that includes Hamas-controlled territory — must follow a final status agreement between the parties, not precede it.
Global Momentum for Recognition Grows
Despite Israel’s protests, international momentum for recognising Palestine as a sovereign state has grown steadily in recent years. More than 140 of the UN’s 193 member states have already extended recognition, and recent moves by Ireland, Norway, and Spain to formalise their positions have emboldened advocates within Europe and beyond.
France’s decision earlier this month to back recognition — accompanied by calls for reform within the Palestinian Authority — has added pressure on the UK and Germany to follow suit.
In London, Starmer faces both diplomatic and domestic pressure. Labour’s base, particularly among young voters and in urban communities, has pushed for a more assertive stance in support of Palestinian rights. But critics argue that making unilateral declarations risks alienating key allies and inflaming tensions on the ground.
Israeli–UK Relations at a Crossroads
While relations between the UK and Israel have historically been close, especially on intelligence and trade matters, this latest disagreement signals a widening rift over how to approach the Gaza crisis and the broader Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has sought to reassure Tel Aviv that recognition does not equate to condoning Hamas or its tactics, and that the UK remains committed to Israel’s right to security.
However, Israel’s leadership appears unconvinced, characterising the UN recognition push as “symbolic appeasement” that could destabilise regional diplomacy.
“Any premature recognition sends a message that violence yields results,” said an Israeli Knesset member aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. “The UK’s decision risks legitimizing extremism at a critical time.”
What Happens Next?
The UN General Assembly is scheduled to convene in mid-September, and a vote on Palestinian statehood is expected to come to the floor soon after. Unlike Security Council decisions, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry political weight.
A potential UK vote in favour of recognition would mark a historic shift in British foreign policy and could influence other hesitant nations to follow suit. For now, Israel has signalled it will continue to oppose the measure and push for renewed focus on ceasefire and hostage negotiations before any final political arrangements are made.
