Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has delivered a powerful condemnation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing it as “inhumane” and “utterly unjustifiable” in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Highlighting the human cost of the conflict, Lammy called for an immediate end to the violence, urging concerted diplomatic efforts to revive the prospect of peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. He emphasised the suffering caused by the attacks on October 7 carried out by Hamas, lamenting the impact on families torn apart by the conflict and captivity.

Lammy’s remarks reflected a broader shift in the UK’s stance, as the government formally recognised the State of Palestine earlier this week, joining nations such as Canada, Australia, and Portugal in a historic move intended to preserve the viability of a two-state solution. This step is seen as a response to the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the ongoing Israeli settlement expansions in the West Bank. The UK government stated that while recognising Palestinian statehood, it firmly rejects any role for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine, calling for the release of hostages and the group’s disarmament.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the UN gathering, framing the decision not as a reward for Hamas but as a critical step towards ensuring both a safe, secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state. This recognition seeks to rekindle hope for a negotiated peace, reaffirming the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination amidst an increasingly perilous political landscape.

At the assembly, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated the UK's commitment to peace, cautioning that recognising Palestinian statehood must act as a catalyst for meaningful diplomatic action rather than a symbolic gesture. Cooper warned Israel against any retaliatory moves, such as annexing parts of the West Bank, which could further undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. Her message underscored the urgency of addressing the grave realities facing the region and the need for sustained international engagement to keep the hope for peace alive.

The international community, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has also voiced support for Palestinian statehood, framing it as a right rather than a reward. Against the backdrop of escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza, these developments signal heightened global attention to the longstanding conflict and growing impatience with stalled peace efforts.

Despite vocal opposition from Israel and the United States, the UK's recognition of Palestine and calls for diplomatic solutions underline a commitment to reviving dialogue and preventing further deterioration. This approach underscores that the ongoing cycle of violence—characterised by Hamas’s terror attacks and Israel’s military responses including restrictions on humanitarian aid—cannot continue without severe human consequences. Ultimately, the UK government’s position stresses that no party benefits from the continuation of hostilities and that real, concerted efforts toward a two-state solution remain the only viable path to lasting peace and security for all peoples in the region.

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Source: Noah Wire Services