UK, Allies Recognize Palestine Amid Criticism from Israel, Trump

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Britain's recognition of Palestine, framing it as a move to revive hope for peace and end the conflict in Gaza, a decision also supported by France, Belgium, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. This shift in Western policy has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, who denounce the recognition as a "reward for terrorism" and a consequence of Hamas's October 7 attacks, threatening Israel's existence and undermining leverage for peace negotiations. US President Donald Trump echoed these concerns, calling the recognition "gesture politics" that fails to free hostages or end the war and instead rewards Hamas, as articulated by his press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Palestinian officials and Hamas representatives hailed the recognition as a victory, while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the decision affirms Palestinian self-determination within a broader framework aimed at peace and humanitarian reform. The move has sparked debates on whether it will foster peace or exacerbate tensions, placing the UK at the center of a deeply complex and ongoing conflict. Critics like Allister have condemned the recognition as validating Hamas without securing hostage releases, underscoring the polarized international response to this pivotal development.