The UK Parliament’s International Development Committee just released a report asking the British government to officially recognize a Palestinian state. They looked at the humanitarian issues in Gaza, the situation in the West Bank, and the problems faced by displaced Palestinians. The committee thinks it’s important for the UK to set out how and when this recognition would happen because they feel acknowledging Palestinian statehood is important.
The report also says the UK government needs to make sure Israel is held responsible if it breaks international humanitarian law. While the report didn’t go into specific violations, it stressed the UK’s job in making sure these laws are followed in the region. The reasoning behind this is the ongoing humanitarian crisis and displacement that Palestinians are facing according to the committee.
This report is like a formal suggestion to the UK government and might change how the UK approaches foreign policy with Israel and Palestine. By pushing for recognition of Palestine, the committee is looking for a diplomatic way to solve the crisis. This might also influence other countries decisions in the future too. Ultimately the committee wants to improve the lives of Palestinian people and prevent future violations of international law.