The violence and loss of life in Gaza shocks us all, nobody is immune to the horror of what’s happening. We all want to see a genuine two-state solution that guarantees security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
But instead of showing any real leadership, Keir Starmer has capitulated to his backbenchers, and the looming threat of Jeremy Corbyn’s new party, by promising to recognise a Palestinian state this September. This is not leadership, it’s panic politics.
Let’s be crystal clear: this move will not bring the Israeli hostages home. It won’t get a single extra lorry of aid into Gaza. And it certainly won’t end the war. What it will do is embolden terrorists and send the message that Britain rewards violence.
The timing could not be worse. Nearly two years on from the barbaric 7 October attacks, hostages remain in Hamas captivity. Hamas continues to run amok in Gaza. And we still have no clear plan from the Government about how to remove Hamas from power, how to get the hostages out, or how to work with allies like the United States and Qatar to create the conditions for a credible peace process.
Recognising a Palestinian state in the middle of this chaos is meaningless. It’s pure political posturing, designed to keep Labour MPs happy and neutralise the Corbyn threat, not to secure lasting peace in the region.
Let’s be blunt: you cannot negotiate with terrorists committed to the destruction of Israel. Any lasting peace will only be possible when Hamas is completely wiped out. Until then, any talk of state recognition is a dangerous distraction.
This is a time for serious leadership. A time for Britain to double down on eradicating Hamas, to work relentlessly with our allies to secure the release of hostages, and to lay the groundwork for a real two-state solution, one that can actually deliver security for Israelis and Palestinians.
Sadly, what we are getting from Keir Starmer is weak gestures and party management. The world deserves better.
