Britain’s top diplomat said Thursday that his country could officially recognize a Palestinian state after a cease-fire in Gaza without waiting for the outcome of what could be years-long talks between Israel and the Palestinians on a two-state solution.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron, speaking to The Associated Press during a visit Thursday to Lebanon intended to tamp down regional tensions, said no recognition could come while Hamas remained in Gaza, but that it could take place while Israeli negotiations with Palestinian leaders were continuing.

U.K. recognition of an independent state of Palestine, including in the United Nations, “can’t come at the start of the process, but it doesn’t have to be the very end of the process,” said Cameron, a former British prime minister.

  • gravitas_deficiency@sh.itjust.works
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    9 months ago

    This is a good development, especially considering how direct a role the UK played in the region (and thus, the laying of the foundations of the conflict that’s been going on since then) in the decades leading up to the establishment of Israel as a country.

    • Talaraine@kbin.social
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      9 months ago

      Came here to say this. Imagine the backroom conversations going on in Parliament when the chickens came home to roost. I’m not saying they’re wrong, btw, but it just seems wild that they were the one suggesting a Palestinian state when they carved out Israel back in the day and have done literally nothing to actually make it happen.