Starmer affirms Palestinians’ undeniable right to their own state

July 8, 2024 TruthUSA

Sir Keir Starmer, who faced criticism from some Labour MPs for his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, has emphasized the critical need for an immediate ceasefire.

As the new prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the recognition of a Palestinian state is an essential component of the Middle East peace process.

Despite Labour’s landslide election victory, a downside for Sir Keir was the loss of several Labour MPs to pro-Palestinian independent candidates who garnered support from predominantly Muslim voters.

Recently, Sir Keir engaged in conversations with Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, expressing his concerns regarding the ongoing loss of life in Gaza.

In addition, Sir Keir communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing the urgency of a clear ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October attacks.

Sir Keir is committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution, as outlined in the Labour Party’s general election manifesto.

A spokeswoman from Downing Street stated, “The prime minister’s priority is to secure a ceasefire and ensure the return of hostages, as well as increasing humanitarian aid and financial support for the Palestinian Authority.”

“The prime minister reiterated his commitment to reform and enhancing the international legitimacy of Palestine, emphasizing that the recognition of Palestinians’ undeniable right is essential for a peace process,” the spokeswoman added.

(L to R) Zosia Lewis, Leonorah Ward and Daniel Formentin protesting outside the home of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in London on April 9, 2024 (Youth Demand/PA Wire)

During his conversation with Mr. Netanyahu, Sir Keir, whose wife is Jewish, expressed his condolences for the loss of life and reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid delivery to civilians.

Over the past five years, Sir Keir has been actively combating antisemitism within the Labour Party and stood firm against the readmission of Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader, following his refusal to acknowledge the findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission regarding the party’s mishandling of antisemitism issues.

In the recent general election, Mr. Corbyn, running as an independent, retained his seat in Islington North, defeating Labour’s Praful Nargund by a significant margin.

Sir Keir also expressed concerns about the situation on the Lebanese border, where the Israel Defense Force (IDF) engaged in artillery exchanges with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group.

Lammy: ‘We Want To See Those Hostages Out’

Foreign Secretary David Lammy, while in Berlin, emphasized the importance of achieving a balanced approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict and reiterated the necessity of securing a ceasefire and releasing hostages.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a significant number of Palestinian casualties since the conflict erupted.

Sir Keir faced criticism for his initial stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict but has since clarified his position and continued efforts to advocate for peace and humanitarian aid delivery to the region.

Recently, three pro-Palestinian protesters received suspended sentences for a demonstration outside Sir Keir’s residence in north London.

In the general election, pro-Palestinian independent candidates secured victories in constituencies with Muslim-majority electorates, posing a challenge to Labour’s representation.

PA Media contributed to this report.

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