Starmer: Cease fire or we will recognise Palestine

BRITAIN'S ULTIMATUM FOR ISRAEL

- Jonathan Walker

SIR Keir Starmer has said the UK will recognise an independent state of Palestine in September whether Israel agrees or not.

The Prime Minister declared yesterday that the "terrible suffering" in Gaza and decades-long war in the region must end.

It came as he bowed to pressure from MPs of all parties, setting out plans to recognise Palestine unless Israel commits to a ceasefire and long-term peace process.

A final decision will be made before a United Nations meeting on September 9.

Sir Keir said: "In Gaza, because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand, images that will stay with us for a lifetime. The suffering must end."

Foreign Secretary David Lammy later launched a broadside against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying his refusal to accept the creation of a Palestinian state was "wrong morally and it's wrong strategically". But Israel last night said it "rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom".