Statement in response to the UK Government’s recognition of a Palestinian state

The UK Government’s recognition of a Palestinian state is long overdue. For decades, the Palestinian people have been denied their basic rights to freedom, dignity, and self-determination. Recognition alone, however, will mean little without further urgent and concrete action.

Our partners across Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem continue to live and serve in the midst of devastation, oppression, and denial of fundamental rights.  State recognition alone, without being followed by concrete actions, does not change the day-to-day reality that they are facing. True change requires an immediate end to the war in Gaza and an end to the illegal occupation of the West Bank. Anything less condemns millions of Palestinians to continued suffering and undermines the very prospects of peace that recognition is meant to affirm.

The UK Government must follow through with decisive actions to ensure a just and peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis. The UK Government must keep pushing Israel to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza and unfettered humanitarian aid. The UK Government must also take action against the protracted illegal occupation of the West Bank by banning investment in and trading with settlements and publish its overdue response to the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024.