British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said his country is "abhorred" by the suffering in Gaza and has defended his plan to potentially recognise a Palestinian state, PA Media/DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Starmer had previously said Britain would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agreed to meet certain conditions, including addressing the humanitarian crisis, implementing a ceasefire and reviving prospects for a two-state solution.
However, he insisted the move would not be a propaganda victory for "Hamas" and said the "terrorist organisation" should have “no role in any future government“.
The British Prime Minister's approach has been criticised by the Israeli government and a protest against his position is planned for London this week. Demonstrators, including British relatives of hostages still being held by “Hamas“, will gather outside his “Downing Street“ office and call for the release of the remaining hostages before any discussion of recognising Palestine.
In an interview with “Channel 5“ Starmer said that the hostages taken in the attack on 7 October 2023 were held “for a very, very long time in appalling conditions, unimaginable conditions, and “Hamas“ is a terrorist organisation, and that is why I am very clear about “Hamas“.
“But we must also do everything we can to alleviate the terrible situation on the ground in Gaza. We need help on a large scale and scale“, he added.
Starmer said the British government must do everything it can to ensure that aid arrives, along with other countries “and it is in this context that I have set out our position on recognition“.
Tory leader Kemmy Badenoch said last night that Starmer had “made a mistake“ and that Britain should focus on “bringing the hostages home“.