Post by : Naveen Mittal

UK Warns Israel Against Retaliation After Recognising Palestine

The United Kingdom has warned Israel not to respond with annexation or other measures after London’s recognition of a Palestinian state, a decision announced on Sunday alongside Canada, Australia, and Portugal.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that she made it clear to her Israeli counterpart that annexing parts of the West Bank must not be used as a response to the recognition move. “This decision is about securing peace, justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians,” Cooper said, speaking from New York where she will attend the UN General Assembly. “Extremists on both sides want to bury the two-state solution. We believe we have a moral obligation to revive it.”

A Major Shift in UK Policy

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described recognition as a pledge to give both Palestinians and Israelis hope for a better future. He stressed that Hamas would have “no future and no role in government or security” under the terms of statehood.

The UK’s move aligns with similar positions taken by France, Portugal, and Belgium, with Paris and Riyadh expected to co-chair discussions on a framework for peace.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK’s decision, saying it would help pave the way for Palestinians to live alongside Israel in peace.

Israel’s Strong Opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition as “a huge reward for terrorism.” He has repeatedly said Palestinian statehood “will not happen” and defended the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.

Far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir escalated rhetoric further, calling for full annexation of the West Bank and dismantling the Palestinian Authority.

The United States also criticised the recognition, saying it was a diplomatic gift to Hamas following the October 2023 attacks that killed 1,200 people in Israel.

International Context

The announcement comes as the UN General Assembly convenes in New York, with several nations seeking to build consensus around a renewed push for a two-state solution.

The move follows a UN commission report last week accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, citing nearly 65,000 deaths in the conflict. Israel dismissed the report as “Hamas propaganda”.

Despite symbolic limitations—Palestine still lacks agreed borders, a capital, and a military—around 75% of UN member states now recognise Palestinian statehood.

Looking Ahead

The UK has not yet announced when its consulate in East Jerusalem might be upgraded to a full embassy, but Cooper said the recognition is the beginning of a renewed diplomatic process. “Just as we recognise Israel’s right to exist, so we must recognise Palestinians’ right to a state of their own,” she said.

For many Palestinians, the recognition is a moral victory—even if the road to genuine independence remains long.