Palestine Action’s co-founder asks UK court to overturn terror group ban

LONDON: More than 30 former UK ambassadors and 20 former senior diplomats at the UN have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state, as international outrage grows over the distressing scenes in Gaza.

The former diplomats have represented the UK in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria and Turkiye, as well as the UN.

Their statement adds to the growing pressure on Starmer from ministers and senior figures in the ruling Labour Party, including the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to address the question of Palestine.

Starvation has affected the 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip amid Israeli attacks and aid restrictions. Khan said on Wednesday that the scenes in Gaza were harrowing and that “nothing justifies the actions of the Israeli government.” He asserted that there “can be no two-state solution if there is no viable state left to call Palestine.”

The former diplomats warned that “the risks of inaction have profound, historic and catastrophic implications,” and called on Starmer to seize the “moment to recognise Palestinian statehood unconditionally.

“(Israel) cannot be secure from threats in the future if the question of Palestine is not taken forward to a political settlement,” they said.

The statement added: “In the face of the current horror and impunity, words are not enough … a partial suspension of arms sales, delays on trade talks and limited sanctions are far from the full extent of the pressure the UK can bring to bear on Israel.”

Recognising a Palestinian state would be a “foundational first step toward breaking the deadly status quo,” the letter said. The UK has consistently stated it would recognize Palestine in conjunction with allies “at the point of maximum impact.”

A rescheduled international conference will be held in New York City from July 28-29, sponsored by Saudi Arabia and France, to gather support for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. The organizers postponed the gathering planned for June due to the sudden conflict between Israel and Iran that occurred in the same month.

Former diplomats urged Starmer to use the event to create a constructive plan that includes statehood for both Palestinians and Israelis.

On Wednesday, Stephen Cottrell, the de facto leader of the Church of England, said Israel’s “war of aggression” in Gaza was a “grave sin.”

He said: “With each passing day in Gaza, the violence, starvation and dehumanization being inflicted on the civilian population by the government of Israel becomes more depraved and unconscionable.

“In the name of God, I cry out against this barbaric assault on human life and dignity. It is a stain on the conscience of the international community and a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law.”

Cottrell called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the rebuilding of the Palestinian coastal territory.