United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Strmer said on Wednesday that the British plan to recognize the state of Palestine in September is not intended to favor the Hamas Group. Starmer has stated that Hamas is a “terrorist organization” and should have no role in a future Palestinian government.
In an interview with the station Channel 5 Newsthe British premie has stressed his position: “I will be very clear about my position in relation to Hamas. They are a terrorist organization. They must free the hostages now and should have no role in the Government of Palestine. At no point. This is very important. This has nothing to do with recognition. This is my firm position, whatever the position on recognition.”
The British government announced in late July that it intends to recognize the Palestinian state in September, along with countries such as France and Canada, if Israel does not meet conditions such as implementing a ceasefire, ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or supporting the solution of two states.
The British position generated criticism from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Stmerer and other leaders of being “on the wrong side of history” and “buying the advertising” from Hamas.
