Nearly 60 British MPs have contacted Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Foreign Office to right away identify Palestine as a state.A mix of centrist and left-wing MPs, consisting of some committee chairs, composed to the foreign secretary this week to say by not acknowledging [Palestine] as a state, we undermine our own policy of a two-state service and set an expectation that the status quo can continue and see the efficient erasure and annexation of Palestinian territory.The 59 MPs recommend the federal government pursue five various procedures to prevent the Israeli federal government from performing its Rafah strategy, adding that they believed Gaza was being ethnically cleansed - a claim vehemently denied by Israel.The letter was organised by Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East group.It mentions that the Israeli strategy, which would see the population transfer to the southern suggestion of Gaza in preparation for deportation outside the strip, is a precise description, but that they believe a clearer way to describe it is the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.Israeli authorities have actually said they wish to separate the civilian population from Hamas, which still controls parts of Gaza and holds dozens of hostages abducted in the October 7 attack that activated the war 21 months ago.Emmanuel Macron talked about recognising Palestine as a state at a joint news conference with Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday - the exact same day the letter was signed.The French president stated: Today, collaborating in order to acknowledge the state of Palestine and to start this political momentum is the only course to peace.While France has not yet acknowledged a Palestinian state yet, Norway, Ireland and Spain coordinated their acknowledgment last year.The letter demands ministers take five various procedures to: Recognise the state of Palestine Continue assistance for the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) Secure the release of hostages Press for the complete and unhindered resumption of humanitarian aid Fully evaluation and place restrictions on trade with and financial backing of unlawful Israeli settlements in the West BankThe British government states it is already supplying funding for the UNRWA and working to protect the release of captives held by Hamas, but instant recognition of Palestinian statehood will be a lot more controversial move.This is the second time MPs have actually formally called on the federal government to immediately acknowledge the state of Palestine, with previous letters signed by some parliamentary aides and even junior ministers.Ministers have actually shown their strategy to recognise Palestine would be at a time that is most favorable to the peace process without additional clarity of when that might be.They have likewise suggested that it would not be suitable to speculate about future sanctions, as this might reduce their impact.A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: Since day one, this federal government has been clear that we require to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, much better security of civilians, much-needed food help, medications, shelter and other products instantly being enabled to enter Gaza, and a path to long-lasting peace and stability.The scenario on the ground in Gaza is horrendous - for the captives and for Palestinians - and we urgently want to see an offer done, to end the suffering on all sides.We are devoted to identifying a Palestinian state and to doing so when will have most effect in support of a peace process.
We continue to supply lifesaving help to supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to work closely in assistance of the Palestinian Authority.Source: Sky News- Agencies