A tale of two states

Starmer: It will keep alive peace hopes, But Israel brands move 'Hamas reward'

- MIKEY SMITH Deputy Political Editor in New York and SOPHIE HUSKISSON

AS Israel's brutal assault on Gaza continued over the weekend, Keir Starmer delivered on his vow to recognise Palestine as a state unless the situation changed.

The PM yesterday said the move is intended to bring an end to the needless bloodshed in the war-torn region and reignite fading hopes of producing a two-state solution.

Families of hostages held in Gaza branded it a "reward for Hamas" and Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to block Palestinian statehood.

But Mr Starmer warned the group must release all remaining captives from the October 7 attack on Israel in 2023 and give up power.

Australia and Canada joined the UK in recognising Palestine, the first G7 countries to act, after the death toll in Gaza passed 64,000.

Mr Starmer said: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment, we have neither.

"The United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine. We recognised the state of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people.